Troy Parrott hit a stunning hat-trick to help Ireland secure a World Cup play-off place in a dramatic qualifier at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
The former Tottenham striker produced one of the great individual displays in recent Irish history, hauling his side level twice before striking a stoppage-time winner that sealed a 3-2 victory and ended Hungary’s hopes of reaching next summer’s finals.
The result confirmed Ireland in second place in Group F, with Portugal finishing as group winners, ending Hungary’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in North America.
Former Ireland captain Roy Keane hailed the victory as a ‘fantastic’ achievement, given the side’s poor start to qualification.
“They’ve recovered brilliantly…To win today, on the back of the Portugal result, is fantastic. It’s a great boost for the country.
“The manager was heavily criticised, and Parrott got a hat-trick – there was always a lot of talk about him, but he’s stepped up over the last few days. Great achievement.
“Fingers crossed now, of course, for the play-offs,” on the UK’s ITV.
