Andy Reid is adamant there should be no questions over his ability as he fights for his place for both club and country.
Reid endured a torrid season last term, sustaining two knee injuries which restricted him to just 14 appearances for Tottenham.
The 23-year-old was also forced onto the sidelines for Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton's first game in charge in March, a 3-0 win over World Cup hopefuls Sweden.
Reid is back in the Irish fold for tomorrow's friendly against Chile at Lansdowne Road, which comes on the back of a four-day training camp in the Algarve, with the squad returning to Dublin this evening.
The winger is looking to head into the summer on a high by putting in a solid display against the South Americans, with the hope then of reclaiming a first-team place at Tottenham for the start of next season.
Reid said: "All in all I'm disappointed with last season, not necessarily with the way I performed, but how the season went. I picked up a couple of injuries at bad times because I was in the team and picking up form when I got injured the first time.
"It took me about eight weeks to return, but then in my first game back I did my knee again. When I returned a second time towards the end of the season the lads were doing quite well, so it was difficult to get into the side.
"But everybody has been great to me at Spurs. That's not just the playing and coaching staff, but the people around the club have all been brilliant. They can't do enough to help you, and that all contributes to the club doing well and moving in the right direction. As for me, I know what I have to do. When my chance comes along, I have to take it and show what I can do.
"I don't doubt my ability, I don't think anybody else does either. I know I can go on and do well, as does the manager."
Like Tottenham boss Martin Jol, Staunton will only be too aware of Reid's attributes and pace when he is fully fit.
However, Staunton effectively played with a 4-3-3 formation against Sweden, employing Stephen Elliott and Kevin Doyle either side of captain Robbie Keane in an attacking triumvirate.
In light of its effectiveness, Staunton may be tempted to do the same again, but with Reid available, a traditional 4-4-2 could be the order of the day.
Whatever Staunton decides, at least Reid can claim to be happy under his tutelage following a few worthwhile days in Portugal.
"Happiness is such an important thing. I think it is underestimated," claimed Reid.
"When you go on the pitch and you are feeling good about yourself and comfortable with who you are and who you are playing with, everybody performs so much better.
"It's not all about money as some people might think. It doesn't work that way. You need to be happy, and I'm glad to say the manager has brought that to the squad."
