Sam Finley fired up to keep Fleetwood starting spot against Ipswich

Sam Finley is hoping to take his chance in a Fleetwood Town shirt after receiving a late call-up for Saturday’s draw at Blackpool.
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Finley was initially told he wouldn’t be starting against the Seasiders.

However, Callum Camps was subsequently ruled out with a hamstring injury and the former Accrington Stanley man stepped in.

Sam Finley got an unexpected start for Fleetwood at Blackpool on SaturdaySam Finley got an unexpected start for Fleetwood at Blackpool on Saturday
Sam Finley got an unexpected start for Fleetwood at Blackpool on Saturday
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The 28-year-old could be set to start again tonight, when Fleetwood welcome Ipswich Town to Highbury (7.45pm).

Finley said: “I only found out late on Friday that I was in the starting line-up.

“I think Camps is struggling with a little bit of an injury, so I got a phone call that I needed to be ready to start.

“I’ve been chomping at the bit. I’ve been a bit frustrated with the niggly injuries that I’ve been picking up over the past few months and I think Saturday was my first 90 since we played Wigan away.

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“I was delighted to get back into the side and it’s unfortunate with Camps missing out but that’s football.

“We’re on a great run. We spoke about it after the Blackpool game. We were an away side coming to an in-form team.”

Reflecting on Saturday’s goalless game, he added: “It’s always important to pick up the three points, but if you don’t it’s always important to get the one point.

“With the clean sheet, we’re moving forwards. We’ve got 10 points out of our last four games, which is brilliant considering the form we were in before that.”

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Town will face a tough test at Highbury against an Ipswich side sitting sixth in League One.

Having recently parted company with Paul Lambert and appointed Paul Cook as his successor, they have won four and drawn one of their last six matches.

There might be high expectations at Portman Road but Finley warned success in the third tier isn’t always straightforward.

He said: “I’m a bit surprised where they are but you’ve got the likes of Sunderland and Charlton who have been in the league for a few years, so I’m also not surprised by it because it’s a tough league.

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“These clubs have had financial difficulties and they’ve dropped down – and maybe their supporters think they’re better than this level, but it’s a tough level and tough to get out of.

“I’m not surprised by it but I know Ipswich have picked up a lot recently.

“Paul Cook has gone in there and I know he’ll do a great job. He’s got out of this league a few times but I can’t wait for Tuesday.”

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