Liam Lawrence has been urged to keep his feet on the ground after being called into the Republic of Ireland squad.
Lawrence was one of five new faces in Steve Staunton's squad for the game against Sweden on March 1.
The Sunderland midfielder, who was playing for Mansfield in League One just two years ago, admits he is still "buzzing" at the news.
But Black Cats manager Mick McCarthy has made sure Lawrence puts club before country.
"The gaffer said he was delighted for me but he told me I'm not allowed to let things slip or let it go to my head," Lawrence said.
"I have to keep doing my best to stay in the side and things might progress even further.
"Obviously things are difficult at Sunderland at the moment but it has been going reasonably well for me personally."
Lawrence qualifies for the Republic through his Irish grandfather, and explained on the club's official website: "My grandad on my dad's side was from Kerry and it's something I looked into a while ago.
"When I checked up and found I was eligible, I got straight on to it.
"There were rumours I'd be in the squad and then Gary Breen said there was a good chance I might get a call-up because he'd spoken to a couple of people. I haven't stopped smiling."
Sunderland's next Premiership fixture is away to Birmingham on February 25. They remain cut adrift at the foot of the table following the 2-0 midweek defeat to Blackburn.
