As Ireland look ahead to the final international window of the year, head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson must be encouraged by the strong form of several key players at club level.
The headline news has been Caoimhín Kelleher’s excellent displays while once again deputising for Alisson at Liverpool.
However, Liam Scales has also been in solid form for Celtic in the Champions League, while Evan Ferguson and Sammie Szmodics have scored Premier League goals in recent weeks.
Another Irishman is making a strong case to hold down his place in the starting XI thanks to his electric form in the Championship.
Finn Azaz was once again on the scoresheet for Middlesbrough as they demolished Luton on Saturday, and he appears to have won over any of the club’s fans who had doubted him during his first season.
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Ireland’s Finn Azaz stars for Middlesbrough
Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough dismantled Luton at the Riverside on Saturday, with Irishman Finn Azaz involved in three of ‘Boro’s five goals.
Azaz first provided the assist for Emmanuel Latte Lath, who made it 2-0 shortly before half-time.
After the break, Azaz himself got on the scoresheet with a tidy finish from Ben Doak’s pull-back.
— Full goals on @CenterOfGoals (@BarrieSava83376) November 9, 2024
Azaz’s second strike was even better.
The final goal of ‘Boro’s 5-1 rout, it was a pearl of a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area, bringing the Riverside Stadium to their feet.
👌 Curled in beautifully!#EFL | @Boro pic.twitter.com/kKHwZONNjP
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) November 9, 2024
Azaz has been in impressive form in recent weeks. Saturday’s exploits brought him to three goals and three assists in his last five Championship games, a hugely encouraging return with an international break approaching next week.
The 24-year-old has been named in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad for the upcoming games against Finland and England. Azaz started the win in Helsinki last month, before sitting on the bench for the defeat to Greece in Athens.
He has certainly made his case to return to the starting XI with his impressive form of late.
Speaking to Boro TV after the game, Azaz was thrilled with how he ha
Three points before the international break, that’s the most important thing. I thought we brought a bit of everything to get the win.
The performances have been really consistently good…I think we’ve just been trying to be consistent throughout the season. I would say we’ve been doing that. Just because we won 5-1 today doesn’t mean we haven’t been playing well.
I speak to Doaky all the time that, when he wins it back,I’ll be there for the cut back or the square pass. He’s just put it on a plate for me, fair play to him.
The second one just felt really natural, I just didn’t really think about it, to be honest with you.
It’s a great way to go into the international break.
Azaz has proven wrong any doubters he may have had at Middlesbrough. After Saturday’s demolition job, Twitter was rife with ‘Boro fans singing the praises of the Ireland international.
Me liking every Finn Azaz tweet#Boro #UTB pic.twitter.com/tx3CWuUYcP
— Chris (@Chris_BoroUTB) November 10, 2024
Make your apologies about Finn Azaz as loud as your disrespect. Can’t wait to read the comments from when the team was announced either. Carrick has the boo boys on toast.
— Ben Hutchinson (@benny_hutch) November 9, 2024
How, how, how can you not rate Finn Azaz – what a Starboy ⭐️
— Jonny (@JonnyBullock1) November 9, 2024
With players now breaking to return to international duty, it is encouraging that several Ireland players continue to impress at club level. Finn Azaz has certainly been one of the stand-outs in recent weeks.
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