Finn's Accrington Preview

Finn Azaz returned to the Argyle fold last Saturday, against Wycombe Wanderers, having been unavailable for the Ipswich Town game whilst on international duty.

It was a first call-up for Finn, representing Ireland, the country of his grandparent’s birth, in their big Under-21 qualifying two-leg fixture against Israel.

Finn played in the second of the two games, coming on as a sub on the hour mark and playing as the game went to extra time. Unfortunately for the other Boys in Green, Ireland lost on a shoot-out, missing their chance to qualify for the European Championship.

His international excursion meant missing the televised win over Ipswich which sent Argyle top of the league, but the experience of playing for Ireland is clearly something Finn enjoyed.

“It was great to get my first cap,” he said. “It was a different experience with me, going away, going to Ireland and Israel, it was really good. Being able to travel to different countries, and represent Ireland, was a really proud moment for me. I want more of that.

“I got a call about three weeks before, making sure I was eligible, and that the manager wants to bring you in. Then it was a waiting game, they announced it really late, only three or four days before we left.

“I couldn’t play in the first game, I had a little problem with my calf, but the second game was amazing, even though we lost.

“I was gutted not to play in the Ipswich game, it looked like an amazing atmosphere. They are the games you want to play in, against the top teams.”

Speaking of the top teams, Argyle have now played against all of the seven sides that, along with The Pilgrims, make up the top eight in Sky Bet League One, collecting 19 points from a possible 21 in the process.

The Greens play the team in ninth – Accrington Stanley – on Saturday at Home Park. Finn is looking forward to another game at home, where Argyle have won all six in the league this season, with the ground set to be nearly full and rocking once more.

“I think we should move forward with confidence knowing we have got results,” said Finn. “They weren’t fluke results, we’ve arguably deserved them for most of the games.

“I try not to look at the table too much, just go game-by-game. But obviously when you play a big team you know that they are going to be good, and every game we have done that, I think.

“We will prepare the same way we have been preparing and keep up the intensity. The challenge is to do the same now, and maintain the confidence, not have any complacency.

“It has been really surreal to perform in front of that many fans. I feel like I take it for granted because I’m in it, then looking back it will be unbelievable. Being on the pitch for the first goal, it was crazy. The energy in the air, you can’t really get that anywhere else.”