Celtic fans have their heart set on an exciting summer where they pray to see some high-profile arrivals walk through the Parkhead entrance.
Paulo Bernardo could be on his way back to Glasgow from Benfica in a deal worth £3.5 million overall following his successful loan spell in 2023/24.
Talks are ongoing, and reports suggest those close to the player would like a resolution to be found that would see him seal a permanent move.
Of course, Adam Idah is also wanted by Celtic after his heroics during the run-in; however, despite Brendan Rodgers’ desire to acquire the 23-year-old, Norwich City are set to assess him in pre-season as Johannes Hoff Thorup gets his ducks in a row.
Nevertheless, there is another Irish striker off the back of an excellent 12 months who may be worth taking a look at for the Bhoys in the close season.
Troy Parrott’s goalscoring exploits in Holland
Many Celtic fans have a vested interest in the Republic of Ireland national team due to making the pilgrimage to Parkhead from the Emerald Isle weekly, so they will be familiar with Troy Parrott’s name.
The 22-year-old’s parent club is still Tottenham Hotspur despite playing just a handful of times for their senior side, which prompted Ange Postecoglou to loan the Dublin-born man to Excelsior last August.
His impact in the Netherlands has put him back on the map after a couple of frustrating years. Overall, Parrott registered 17 goals and registered five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Unfortunately, he couldn’t save Marinus Dijkhuizen’s men from relegation; however, it wasn’t for want of trying. Per Fotmob, the 6ft 1in forward took on 53 shots on league duty, 23 of which hit the target alongside creating 20 chances, an impressive number for a side that finished 16th in an 18-strong division.
Incredibly, taking the Eerste Divisie playoffs in isolation, Parrott has netted seven goals in his last three matches at club level, with hattricks against ADO Den Haag and NAC Breda (second leg) sandwiched in between a solitary strike in the first leg of the final, resulting in a detrimental 6-2 defeat to the latter.
Despite recording a 4-1 victory at home to Breda in the return fixture, where Parrott netted his trio of strikes, Excelsior suffered the cruel reality of relegation.
Troy Parrott and Adam Idah’s role in Ireland victory
Last night, Ireland saw off Hungary at the Aviva Stadium to record their first victory under John O’Shea. Idah openedthe scoring following a sweeping ball from Will Smallbone before Adam Lang levelled before half-time.
The visitors dominated for large portions, though they couldn’t make their advantage count, paving the way for an unexpected turn of events unfolded in stoppage time. From a Hungary corner, Parrott capitalised on a break of the ball, racing through to slot past Denes Dibusz to send the home crowd into delirium.
Sammie Szmodics joined the in-form striker in support; regardless, there was only going to be one outcome, and the Boys in Green now have something to shout about on the international stage thanks to his exploits.
With just one year left on his contract at Tottenham, Parrott may be worth a look for Celtic in their hunt for a prolific goalscorer. Football London notes there is believed to be a clause that could see Spurs extend his terms until 2026.