Finn Azaz Starts for Ireland, John O’Shea Makes Six Changes for the Hungary Friendly
Dublin, Ireland – Finn Azaz made his first start for Ireland in their friendly against Hungary on Tuesday night, while John O’Shea made six changes to the team that drew with Armenia on Saturday. Azaz, who plays his club football for Aston Villa, was one of three changes to the starting lineup, along with fellow debutant Gavin Kilkenny and Jason Knight. O’Shea, who is in charge of the Ireland team on an interim basis, made the changes in an attempt to give some of his fringe players a chance to impress. And Azaz took his opportunity with both hands, playing a key role in Ireland’s victory. The 19-year-old was lively and inventive throughout the game, and he set up the opening goal for Shane Duffy in the first half. Azaz also had a hand in Ireland’s second goal, which was scored by Callum Robinson. The victory was a welcome boost for O’Shea and his players, who have now won two of their last three games. It also gives O’Shea something to think about ahead of the Nations League game against Ukraine next month. “I was really pleased with the performance tonight,” O’Shea said after the game. “We made a lot of changes to the team, but the players who came in all did well. “Finn Azaz was excellent on his debut, and he showed why he is so highly rated. “It was a good win for us, and it gives us something to build on for the Ukraine game.”
Ireland XI:
Kelleher; Coleman, Duffy, Egan, Stevens; Hendrick, Hourihane; Knight, Azaz, Robinson; Idah
Subs:
Travers, Randolph, Doherty, O’Connor, Collins, Cullen, Browne, McGrath, Parrott, OgbeneFinn Azaz has been handed a starting berth for the Republic of Ireland in their friendly against Hungary on Tuesday night. The Aston Villa midfielder, who is on loan at Plymouth Argyle, has been in impressive form for the Pilgrims this season, scoring six goals in 22 appearances. Azaz will be hoping to make the most of his opportunity to impress Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, who has been keen to give young players a chance. The 21-year-old is one of six changes made by Kenny from the side that beat Malta 1-0 in a friendly last week. John Egan, Nathan Collins, Josh Cullen, Jason Knight and Callum Robinson are the other players to come into the starting XI. Ireland are without a number of key players for the game, including Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Matt Doherty and Aaron Connolly. However, Kenny will be hoping that his side can put in a good performance against Hungary, who are ranked 37th in the world. The game will be played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and kicks off at 7.45pm.
