Finn eager to fulfil potential

_{Steve Finn chatted to ECBtv after being named in the Friends Provident Trophy Ones to Watch}

Middlesex fast bowler Steve Finn is determined to make an impression in this year’s Friends Provident Trophy after being named among the competition’s “Ones to Watch” for a second successive season.

The 6ft 8in paceman was picked out by former England captain Mike Gatting ahead of last year’s Trophy, but admits he struggled to live up to expectations.

However, he is confident he can make significant progress in 2009 as Middlesex look to build on last summer’s Twenty20 Cup triumph.

Finn told ECBtv: “It’s obviously a great honour to be named as one of the players to watch and I’d like to live up to it this year and put in the performances to justify people selecting me.

“Last year was pretty slow for me full stop and it was a big learning year.

“It’s obviously nice to be recognised but at the same time I need to concentrate on my own game and keep focussing on my performances.”

Several respected observers have pinpointed Finn as an England star of the future, but the 20-year-old is keeping his feet on the ground.

When asked why people have tipped him for the top, he answered: “I don’t know really, but being young, quick and 6ft 8in helps!

“I’d like to think it’s because I’m quite a consistent bowler and people see me as a future international cricketer.

“But I’ve got to justify why people see me like this. I’m still learning my trade in county cricket and fighting for my spot in the Middlesex team let alone looking beyond that.”

Middlesex begin their campaign on Sunday with a home game against Scotland.

Warwickshire, Somerset and Kent provide the other competition in Group B, and Finn is looking forward to the challenge of qualifying for the latter stages.

“It was disappointing for us last year (when Middlesex finished third in their group). The weather got in the way a little bit and we had a few games rained off.

“But this year we’ve got slightly more experience in the team and everyone is hungry to score runs and take wickets, so that will serve us well.

“It’s a strong group, but we back ourselves. We’re the Twenty20 champions and we’ve got a lot of people who specialise in one-day cricket.”