Ireland newcomer reveals Heimir Hallgrimsson’s message to him ahead of first competitive start

Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz won his third senior Ireland cap in Thursday’s 2-1 win away to Finland.

Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz has revealed the instructions that Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson gave him ahead of his first ever senior competitive start for the Boys in Green.

Azaz impressed in an advanced midfield role as Ireland came from behind to win in Helsinki, with the 24-year-old’s willingness to run at the Finnish defence with the ball and link up with fellow attackers Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene and Evan Ferguson going down well with the travelling supporters.

Azaz received a generous reception from fans when he made way in the 71st minute for Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath.

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Asked about his first competitive start, Azaz replied: “He (Hallgrímsson) told me the day before the game and I was buzzing to start.

“With the new manager coming in, he told me to show leadership and responsibility, in terms of helping us be more creative, and on a personal front I was just buzzing to start.

“It was good to get the win and be part of that

“I don't think he is treating me as a young player any more, I am 24 now, so I need to take responsibility.

“He said he's seen me play at my club and in my position, albeit it's a different team and philosophy and stuff, just to try and help us create chances, get on the ball, use my movement, use my passing.

“He's putting trust in me as a player, putting me in positions and then it's up to me to do the job for him.”

Azaz hopes he has done enough to secure another start in Athens on Sunday night, when the Boys in Green aim to make it back-to-back wins.

“We will look at the Finland game and build on the positives,” he said. “We have real belief, and we should have real belief, that we can go there and not feel like an underdog.

“We have a lot of confidence in the squad, it's just bring that out onto the pitch, and that's what we'll do on Sunday.”

Greece will be a formidable opponent, fresh from their 2-1 win against England at Wembley, and with three wins over Ireland over the last 16 months.

Azaz insisted: “We will be ready for that, we all play in front of big crowds so a big home crowd for them can't be an excuse.

“We will be ready for a quick start but we have belief that we can get a result.”

As for his own prospects of staying in Hallgrímsson’s starting-11, he said: “There's high standards here. I want to be part of it.

“This has been part of my motivation at club level, trying to do that week in, week out, working on things myself.

“We know you have to perform well to stay in this team, that's the standards that drive a winning mentality.”

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