Troy Parrott scores hat-trick as AZ Alkmaar beat Ajax 6-0

James Cox

Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott scored a hat-trick for AZ Alkmaar as they hammered Ajax 6-0 in the Dutch Cup last-16 on Wednesday.

It was a stunning win for Alkmaar over the Netherlands' most successful club.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson was in attendance to watch his star striker bring his tally for the season to 24 goals.

Parrott opened the scoring after just two minutes, as the Dubliner pounced on a rebound.

He scored his second after 33 minutes as he took the ball from a long pass before brushing off his winner and finishing.

Kees Smit and Peer Koopmeiners scored in the second-half while a sending off reduced Ajax to 10 men.

Ten minutes from time Parrott completed his hat-trick before Ibrahm Sadiq made it 6-0 to complete Ajax's misery.

Parrott's form is a big positive for Hallgrímsson ahead of the World Cup playReoff semi-final against the Czech Republic in Prague in March.

Parrott's hat-trick against Hungary sealed a famous victory for Ireland to reach this stage, while days earlier he sealed another famous win against Portugal with a brace.

Evan Ferguson has been in scoring form for Roma as well, so Ireland's attacking options are looking positive.

Hallgrímsson is set to watch other Irish players at games in the UK over the weekend.