Daniel Finlayson programme article
Posted : 27th July 2023
Just like the Linfield supporters, defender Daniel Finlayson was an anxious spectator when the Blues lost 1-0 to KF Vllaznia in Albania this time last week, as they progressed with a 3-2 aggregate victory. Being in the directors' box during the match which was played in soaring heat, the Scotsman was full of praise for his teammates.
“Watching on last week, I thought it was a good performance considering the conditions. It was extremely warm in Albania. It was always going to be difficult, as they have passionate fans and they’d nothing to lose, but the lads followed the gameplan brilliantly. It was a nerve-wrecking watch for me and I wished I was out there myself, but the lads got the job done and that’s what matters.
“For the lads involved, there will be a great deal of learning to take from the experience. Personally, I want to be involved in these games in Europe for that reason. You grow as a player when you are up against those big teams in front of big crowds and the lads playing in Europe for the first time will now have an insight of how to manage games away from home and how difficult it can be.”
Daniel was unfortunately suspended last week following a controversial dismissal in the first leg 3-1 win over KF Vllaznia – the only downer to come from an excellent performance and result here at Windsor Park a fortnight ago. He believes that the strength of the performance indicates promising signs for the new system that manager David Healy has deployed.
“We have a new system in place here with three at the back and I am really enjoying it. I think it suits me and I enjoy the role that I play in it. I thought we were absolutely fantastic in the first leg and we could have put the tie to bed on the night but for a lapse in concentration from myself. But I thought the way we played that night – especially with big ‘Fitzy’ and Chris McKee up front – I thought they were brilliant in both legs, as well as the back three and I thought Michael Newberry came in last week and did really well. I thought we did really well across every position over the two legs and that bodes well, going forward with this new system.”
The departures of experienced veterans like Jimmy Callacher and Niall Quinn, along with the arrivals of young players like Jack Scott (20) and John Robertson (21), and the inclusion of Academy graduates like Josh Archer (20) and Liam McStravick (18), mean that this Linfield team has a real youthfulness around it, and Finlayson says that’s brought a fresh positivity to the squad.
“It feels like a brand-new group we have this season because we have a lot of new signings and a lot of young lads in and around it now. They all have brought a positivity and a bit of excitement and they bring different qualities. New faces always make the players already there lift their game because they want to impress, due to competition for places and that’s a good thing.
“The three signings – Jack Scott, John Robertson and Matthew Fitzpatrick – have settled in well and look like they’ll be three excellent additions for us. Although this is a very young squad, that doesn’t take away from the quality we’ve got – we’ve still got some players with stacks of experience, like Jamie Mulgrew, Chris Shields, Kirk Millar, Matthew Clarke and Ben Hall, so hopefully they can carry us through – though I include myself in that as well – I want to be a leader in the team. No matter the age, everyone needs to play their part this season.
“We came up short in our title challenge last season and when that happens, it makes you rethink a few things. You think about possible extra percentages you can maybe gain, whether that be in training or off the pitch. Personally, not winning the title has me raring to go for the season ahead and I am sure everyone else will be the same. You come to Linfield to win titles, so it’s disappointing if you come up short. We can’t afford to stand still and we will try and reclaim what we think is ours in the season ahead.”
“This will be another step up for us against a good side. They have a lot of good experienced players who have played International football – but again, that’s what you want. You want to test yourself against excellent players who will challenge you, so hopefully I can do that, if I am selected.
“Our supporters are fantastic and they’ve been particularly good on European nights in my time at the Club. I just ask them for more of the same – be as loud as possible and help us through the game. We saw the importance of home advantage in the last round and we want a big crowd and big atmosphere to give us an extra percentage and more on the pitch.”
Best of luck to Daniel (last season's Linfield player of the year) and the team as they aim to add another positive result to the proud and illustrious European history of Linfield FC.