Troy Parrott is yet to be given a real chance with the Tottenham first team after making his debut a few years ago. The 20-year-old's contract expires next summer and it looks likely that he will be sent out on yet another loan once he returns to north London from MK Dons.
The striker has scored just five goals and registered six assists in 34 league appearances this season. The League One side are currently third and just four points off the top spot, which is currently occupied by Rotherham.
Although Parrott isn't bagging as many goals as he would maybe like to, or reaching the numbers perhaps expected of him, he has been praised for his work rate and selfless performances. Antonio Conte is yet to see the youngster play at Spurs, and that could prove a disadvantage for him.
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The Athletic state that the 20-year-old hasn't spoken to Conte since his arrival in the capital and he hasn't been spoken about in future plans as a first team player for the Lilywhites. During the most recent international break, Parrott spoke about his current form.
"I just realised that ultimately you get one shot at this football game and where I was at the time wasn’t helping me get to where I wanted to get to and I realised I just needed to do more. I didn’t need to change anything off the pitch...most of it was just on the pitch stuff," he admitted.
"I think it's just realising some stuff and growing up as a person and as a player. Ultimately, I think people go on loan to improve as a player and hope that it develops them in the long run and seeing what League One and Championship is like is really good."
This experience and more game time is something that Conte also said, after three of Tottenham's first team players were sent out on loan during the January window. The former Ipswich loanee went on to explain what he believes he needs to do, to get to his best.
"You should train how you play and that’s one of the things I have picked up while I have been out on loan. I just try to give my best and try and [will try to] be one of the best players in training when I get back," Parrott said.
"I am playing a lot of games and gathering as much experience as I can, and, hopefully, it will do me the world of good when I get back. I can only see ways I can improve when I am playing as many games as I am and learning the trade of what I can and can’t do."
The work ethic and determination the 20-year-old seems to have can only be commended and it has earned him praise from his current manager, Liam Manning. "Troy’s worked so hard recently and it’s great to see him get the goals tonight," the MK Dons boss said after their victory against Cheltenham earlier this month.
"The consistent message from me and the staff has been: 'Keep doing what you’re doing'. Of course he wants to score goals, he wants to contribute to the team from that aspect, but it’s so much more than that."
When the summer transfer window comes around, some decisions will need to be made by the club and Parrott. The loan moves are clearly helping him to develop as a player and he is still only 20.
Therefore, another loan move could be beneficial. A step-up in his game may also help if he is playing at a higher level to what he currently is and so another loan spell at MK Dons could be on the cards, if they secure promotion to the Championship.
It isn't just at a club level that Parrott is impressing. The Republic of Ireland international was on duty with his country during the most recent international break.
The striker played just one minute in their 2-2 draw against Belgium but it was his performance against Lithuania days later that hit the headlines. After being substituted on, Parrott managed to secure a win for his nation with a 97th minute goal.
The goal indicates the quality the youngster possesses, and the impact he can have on a team. However, his downfall could depend on the success of Tottenham's summer transfer window.
If Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici back Conte's plans and are able to secure moves for a number of quality players to help take Tottenham to the next level, where does this leave Parrott? It wouldn't mean he is definitely ruled out of any future plans at Spurs, but the longer he is on loan and the older he gets, the more difficult he may find it to break into the Tottenham first team squad.
If his loan spells can be as successful as Oliver Skipp's was at Norwich, there could still be a bright future for Parrott, whether that is in north London or elsewhere, but only time will tell. For now, all the 20-year-old can do is continue working hard and hope his potential and determination can help him get to where he wants to be.
