The ultimate honour for any player is to represent their country, although some get the chance to eclipse that by doing a little more.
Paul Keegan is one of those that has been able to accomplish something a little different by being appointed captain of the Republic of Ireland U-23 team.
The Drogheda United player had led the newly-established side to two wins from their opening two fixtures and is now hoping to make it three in a row as they come up against Belgium today.
Pat Fenlon's team is made up solely of eircom League of Ireland players and Keegan was an obvious choice to take on the captain's armband after helping Drogheda claim the Premier Division title and the Setanta Sports Cup last season.
The combative midfielder admits that it is a huge privilege to be celected the on-field leader and he takes the responsibilty very seriously - which isn't surprising at all given that his greatest asset is his work ethic for the team.
"It is a great honour to captain your country at any level and I'm really proud to lead this team out," said Keegan.
"I was very surprised when Pat (Fenlon) asked me to be captain before the game against Slovakia. There are plenty of other lads that could take on the role, which shows just how strong our squad is.
"For me though, it is fantastic to be the captain. Everyone on the team gets along, so that makes my job a lot easier and it is enjoyable to play in the games as well.
"Hopefully we can win this next match and then get through to the final. If I could lift a trophy as captain of this team, it would be a great achievement for me."
After beating Slovakia in their first game, Ireland then came through a tricky away match against Northern Ireland to snatch a last-gasp victory. Both were results that highlighted a determined spirit that is evident in the squad.
Keegan, who mastered his craft at Leeds United as a schoolboy, epitomizes everything that the team stands for, although he doesn't easily accept praise due to the fact that he believes the team deserves any sort of credit that rolls their way.
Even though a couple of faces (Dave Mooney, Conor Sammon) may be missing since the last time that they met up for a game, this is a squad of players that are eager to do all that they can to help their country win and prove that Irish domestic football is on the rise.
"There has been a big gap between the games, so it is exciting to be back playing again. Plus this is another home game and that always helps," revealed Keegan.
"The last game (against Northern Ireland) was a tricky one and we were lucky to get the win. Obviously the pitch didn't help matters, but credit has to go to our players for not giving up and playing right to the end, which was when we got the goal.
"Now we will be back at Dalymount Park. It is a stadium that will suit us as the majority of players will have played there numerous times over the year. Plus a decent crowd usually turns up there and that could be a big boost in our favour."
Not many players are afforded the chance to play for their country, so this International Challenge Trophy allows certain individuals to experience that specific honour.
For someone like Keegan though, these matches also serve as a test, whereby they pit a select group of players against others from a different nation that they would not normally have the opportunity to meet in opposition.
He relishes the challenge of stepping up to a new level and thinks that the Irish team have adapted well to the tournament due to the maturity of the players and the sensible tactics that they employ. Now the plan is to keep winning and become the champions.
"This game is a distraction away from the league and cup competitions, but more than anything it gives us a chance of playing for our country," stated Keegan.
"It is also a chance of competing for a trophy. Every player wants to pick up a winner's medal and we are no different, so that is an extra motivation for us going into this game.
"Having played for the U-21's, this is definitely a step-up due to the players involved being that little bit more mature. All the players in the squad are used to playing regularly at a good standard.
"There aren't too many goals scored in these games. You have to keep hold of the ball and take your opportunities when they come. We know what we need to do and everyone is looking forward to playing their part."