MILLWALL have completed their second signing of the summer with the eye-catching acquisition of Troy Parrott from Tottenham.
The Lions reached an agreement with Spurs for a season-long loan for the talented 18-year-old attacker.
Parrott made his first-team debut for Tottenham last September aged 17, in an EFL Cup tie against Colchester, one of four senior appearances for the Premier League side.
He represented Ireland at underage level before making his senior debut and providing an assist in a 3-1 friendly win over New Zealand last November.
Millwall scored just 57 goals in 46 games last season, the lowest of any side in the top 16 in the Championship, and Lions boss Gary Rowett said towards the end of the campaign recruiting attackers would be a priority. Millwall are also interested in Wigan striker Kieffer Moore.
Parrott has been prolific at youth level for Spurs, where he has played as a main striker or in a withdrawn role.
“I’m buzzing to get straight into things, I’m really looking forward to it,” Parrott told Millwall’s media. “The crowd, the club itself – I’ve heard a lot of good things. When I’ve watched games, the littlest of things gets them going, and I want to be a part of something like that.
“It’s not hard to see from the outside that all [the fans] are looking for is someone to give 100 per cent every game. When I was growing up playing football, that was the player I always was, so I feel as though I can fit it very well.
“I’m really excited to get going, work hard and give everything for the fans.
“I’m really grateful to Spurs for letting me go out on loan and get some regular football. Hopefully I can improve a lot whilst at Millwall.”
Rowett added: “I’m really happy to get the deal over the line. It took a lot of work, and Alex [Aldridge] and Steve [Kavanagh] have worked really hard to get it done.
“There were a lot of clubs in the Championship, and beyond, who wanted Troy – that’s how highly he is regarded.
“We’re pleased that Tottenham, and Troy himself, chose us as the preferred option. I think that shows what we think we’ve got to offer, a) as a club, b) with fans, when they’re back, and c) the way the team is developing.
“For a number of reasons, it’s a really important signing for us and I’m pleased to get it over the line.
“He’s got lots of ability, that extra bit of quality we’re looking for – especially in his finishing – and he is mobile, hungry, aggressive and athletic. I think he’s got a little bit of everything. But, he’s a young player, and like any, you might not see that straightaway.
“We’ll have to work with him throughout the season. He can play anywhere in the front three areas, which is important to us to add goals, flexibility and options in those types of positions.
“We’ll have to be patient with him, though – he’ll have some really strong parts but also some dips. We’ll do our work and see him through it. Hopefully he can have a real impact.”
Image: Millwall FC