Azaz details taking on more responsibility at Southampton | Daily Echo

SAINTS midfielder Finn Azaz is working really hard to become more consistent as he takes on greater responsibility at the club.

Azaz admitted it has been a difficult season at times, but prefers not to reflect on the past and instead remains focused on what Saints can still achieve.

The St Mary's side sit just outside the play-off places and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 1–0 win over Fulham on Sunday.

Azaz knows how important he will be during the run-in and plans to show Tonda Eckert why he should continue playing every minute possible.

Finn Azaz is nearing double figures for goals at Saints. (Image: John Walton/PA)

"He has started playing me for 90 minutes, which I told him is what I wanted," Azaz said with a smile. "It has expanded from there.

"It's more a case of showing it rather than saying 'Gaffer, I want to play 90 minutes'. He keeps me on for 90 minutes, and I will show the role I am capable of playing.

"I'm trying to be as consistent as I can - I've tried really hard to do that. There is a lot of responsibility in this number 10 role.

"There aren't many in the position who can do both sides. It might go back to the flair players in the next cycle.

"I've got the skillset to carry out all of the responsibilities. I've been working on that toolbox for five years. I pride myself on being able to adapt."

Azaz is not surprised that Saints, unbeaten in 10 games, were able to knock Premier League side Fulham out of the FA Cup on Sunday.

There has been a cultural shift at Staplewood in recent months, and both Azaz and Eckert are adamant that complacency will be stamped out.

"Sunday was a good performance, but I don't think it was a massive deal because we did not have to go above and beyond what we are capable of," Azaz added.

"This is what we can do, and we won't have a party because we've beaten a Premier League team. We are going to keep going.

"Our levels have been like that; there is going to be no complacency. We are in a place where we are like a machine. We aren't even thinking, 'everyone is buzzing about us'.

"The manager wouldn't allow that anyway, but we as players just need to go like a machine now and win every game."

A young Saints fan holding up a sign asking for Finn Azaz's shirt. (Image: John Walton/PA)

This evening's game against West Brom is one many outside the club would circle as a gimme. The Baggies are yet to win a league game in 2026.

Yet Azaz, who spent many afternoons as a ballboy at The Hawthorns between the ages of nine and 15, knows they still pose a big threat.

The Ireland international also heads back to the Midlands with a personal target to tick off. The former West Brom academy man has never scored at his old stomping ground.

"Going back there is always something a bit different. Looking at their squad, we are expecting a tough game because they have good players," he concluded.

"They shouldn't be down there on paper, but they are. For me personally, I've not scored there. That is still on the list for me."