Billy Dennehy has been one of the stand-out players in the Airtricity League this season and he is hoping to transfer that good form over to the international stage tonight.
The Shamrock Rovers winger is involved with the Republic of Ireland U23 squad for the first time after getting the call from manager Paul Doolin to join the select band of home-based players.
For Dennehy, representing his country is a huge honour and he is eagerly awaiting tonight's clash with England. However, being part of this particular squad means a whole lot more as it allows him to work with Doolin again.
It was during his year at Cork City that the 23-year-old really made his mark with seven goals proving to be his best return since turning professional. But the driving force behind his excellent season on Leeside was the current Ireland U23 boss.
"I wouldn't be where I am now without Paul [Doolin]. He made me into the player that I am today and I owe him a lot for that," said Dennehy.
"He took me down to Cork after I was with Derry City, played me regularly, gave me confidence and always backed me whenever I wasn't playing great.
"He made me into a better player by teaching me to be tactically aware and I feel that I understand the game better thanks to Paul's advice and encouragement.
"Quite honestly, I don't think I would have gotten the move to Shamrock Rovers without Paul. He helped me get to where I am now."
That is high praise indeed for the former Cork boss, so it is hardly surprising that Dennehy wants to do everything he can to ensure Doolin gets off to a winning start as Ireland manager.
Motivation is obviously something that the former Sunderland trainee doesn't need to go in search of as he prepares to add another paragraph to his CV by claiming a first U23 cap.
If he does feature in tonight's game then he might be seen as a 'danger man' that the English opposition need to keep a close watch on as he has proved with the Hoops this year that he can make a big difference on games.
The Kerry native knows this International Challenge Trophy encounter will be different from what he experiences at club level, but he is itching for kick-off to roll around.
"Getting the call up to the U23 squad is a nice pat on the back. I think it is a form of recognition for doing well for your club and everyone is there on merit," he said.
"It is great that the Ireland team is made up of players in the league as it gives us a chance to show just how strong the league is and how many good young players are in it.
"Playing against England is a great opportunity for us. Ireland versus England is always a big derby. So we're all looking forward to it and hoping to win the game."
Dennehy can operate on either flank or as a second striker, but whatever position he is tasked with, he is certain to cause havoc for opposition defenders.
The pacy attacker has worked hard on his game and is thankful to have worked with managers like Doolin and Michael O'Neill [current Rovers boss], although he knows that it is up to him to produce each time he is on the pitch.
And that is why he is itching for tonight's game. Not only will he linking up with Doolin again, representing his club and country, but he will also be playing in front of a crowd that he can entertain with his marauding runs forward.
As Ireland look to pick up the three points on offer, they will surely turn to Dennehy to play a big role in helping them to achieve that. In his current form, few would bet against him delivering on that.