Parrott double not enough as Austria recover to draw with Ireland

The Republic of Ireland let a two-goal half-time lead slip as Austria recovered to draw 2-2 in their UEFA Nations League match at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Thursday. Troy Parrott scored both Irish goals, but second-half substitutes Alexander Prass and Michael Gregoritsch brought the visitors level. It was Ireland's third group match of the campaign.

Watch the highlights:

The Football Association of Ireland's match report recorded an early breakthrough after Adam Idah supplied Parrott, who beat the Austrian defence and finished beneath goalkeeper Florian Wiegele. Ireland doubled their lead before the interval when Nicolas Seiwald fouled Ryan Manning. Parrott converted the resulting penalty, his shot going in off the post after sending Wiegele the wrong way.

Austria's response came through Prass, who struck after the ball broke loose near the Irish penalty area, and Gregoritsch, who curled in a free kick. Both teams then had opportunities to win. Wiegele saved from Dara O'Shea, while Conor Coventry blocked Konrad Laimer at the other end. Late Irish chances for Finn Azaz and Manning also went unconverted.

BBC Sport reported that the double took Parrott to 14 goals in 40 international appearances, with nine in his past six competitive matches. His opening goal involved taking the ball past Philipp Lienhart and David Affengruber before beating Wiegele. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson praised the individual quality of the finish, while regretting that it had not helped secure victory.

Hallgrimsson also defended replacing Parrott with Chiedozie Ogbene during the second half, despite the striker being on a hat-trick. According to the BBC, the manager said Parrott had taken knocks and was tiring, with another fixture three days away. He highlighted the forward's defensive discipline and work rate alongside his ability to score.

Ireland complete their four-match international window against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, on Sunday. Parrott also scored in the previous meeting, a 3-0 Irish win in Hungary. BBC Sport reported that another victory would take Ireland to seven points before November's remaining group fixtures away to Austria and at home to Kosovo.