McCarthy will retain Parrott, an unused substitute in Tottenham’s Premier League draw at Everton on Sunday, when he names his final squad for the two matches on FAI.ie on Thursday.

The Ireland boss has also alleviated injury fears surrounding several key players ahead of the confirmation of his final squad for the upcoming games.

“I will announce the final squad for the friendly with New Zealand and the European Championship qualifier with Denmark on Thursday but I can confirm that Troy will be on the list,” said McCarthy.

“I spoke to Stephen Kenny at our monthly manager’s meeting in Abbotstown on Monday and told him that Troy and Aaron Connolly will be with the senior squad next week.

“Stephen will also announce his squad this week for the Under-21 games against Armenia and Sweden so it was important to let him know what I am doing ahead of that.

“Troy has been pushing for this step-up for some time now and I look forward to seeing him on the training ground ahead of the New Zealand game. I hope he pushes me to include him in that game.” 

McCarthy also reported good news on the injury front. Hearts midfielder Glenn Whelan, Wolves defender Matt Doherty and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph have all been in contact with their manager over their fitness.

Whelan was substituted after 35-minutes of the Scottish League Cup defeat to Rangers on Sunday, while Doherty played 71 minutes of Saturday’s Premier League loss at Arsenal before resting a knee injury. Randolph has missed Boro’s last three games with a thigh strain.

“I have been in touch with all three players and they assure me they are confident of being fit to play against Denmark,” McCarthy told FAI.ie as he prepares to name his match squad for the Dublin double header on Thursday.

“Glenn felt a twinge in his hamstring but he expects to be fine and available to link up with the squad on Sunday as planned.

“Matt has told me the decision to take him off against Arsenal was a precaution more than anything else while Darren continues to make progress with his thigh strain and expects to be available. As a result, I will name Kieran O’Hara and Mark Travers alongside Darren on Thursday and Caoimhin Kelleher will be available to Stephen for his squad.

“John Egan had an issue with illness on Saturday as Sheffield United beat Burnley 3-0. Terry Connor was at that game with so many of our players involved and John insists he will be ok as well.

“The good news from that match is that Jeff Hendrick and Enda Stevens played the full game while Terry was really impressed with David McGoldrick who was one of United’s star players again after his return from injury.

“Robbie Brady got another half an hour under his belt as well which is a real bonus so close to naming the final squad for the New Zealand and Denmark games.”

McCarthy himself watched Ciaran Clark score for Newcastle United in their 3-2 win at West Ham on Saturday and was at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday as Jack Byrne helped Shamrock Rovers to their first FAI Cup Final win in 32-years as they beat Dundalk on penalties.

The Ireland boss added: “I enjoyed everything about Sunday’s Cup Finals day at the Aviva. The Women’s Final featured some cracking goals from both Wexford and Peamount and the atmosphere on the day was very special.

“Jack was at the heart of the Rovers midfield all afternoon and gave me plenty of food for thought as I prepare to cut the provisional squad down in size.

“Ciaran Clark did his chances no harm as well on Saturday. His goal was one of the highlights for Newcastle but he played well throughout the game and looked settled in their defence.”

Assistant Manager Connor again watched Josh Cullen, Alan Browne and Sean Maguire as Preston went top of the Championship with a 1-0 win at Charlton on Sunday.