Liam Lawrence should be in Las Vegas celebrating Stoke's Premier League survival - but he is happy to swap his holiday for a chance at getting the Republic of Ireland closer to next year's World Cup.
Lawrence has been rewarded for his form this season with a call-up to Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for the friendly against Nigeria and the qualifier against Bulgaria.
‘I was supposed to be in Vegas with the Stoke boys for a celebration but that got cancelled sharply and I unpacked the shorts and flip-flops,’ Lawrence said. ‘I'd give that up any day to play this week.’
The 27-year-old midfielder, who has previously been in squads, is likely to make his debut against Nigeria on Friday, with Trapattoni set to field an inexperienced side at Craven Cottage.
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has a hip injury but would have been rested anyway to give Keiren Westwood a chance, while Preston pair Sean St Ledger and Eddie Nolan are also set for debuts.
Caleb Folan has gone for a scan on a knee complaint and will miss the friendly but is expected to return for the trip to Sofia. It means Coventry striker Leon Best is in the frame to start against Nigeria as Kevin Doyle has already been ruled out.
‘Caleb will be okay after the rest, and on Monday he will be with us,’ Trapattoni said. ‘I also have Leon Best. He is a different player but he is a similar build and can play that way.
‘Shay Given has a knock. I already said that we will see Westwood in this game so Shay will rest.’
The senior players Trapattoni selects are likely to be given a half at most against Nigeria to keep them fresh for Bulgaria, a match that will give them a huge stride towards at least a play-off place if they win.
Damien Duff is among the players in that category. Duff scored the own goal that confirmed Newcastle's relegation at the weekend, with Trapattoni hoping international duty can provide a welcome distraction.
‘I thought yesterday that he was a bit sad,’ said the boss. ‘Sure, he is not happy but football is like this. I told him he has to score in the next game.’
The newcomers to the squad are hoping to make an impression.
Lawrence added: ‘It's good to be back in the squad and hopefully I'll get my chance. I didn't think it was going to come but I've been playing every week and doing well.
‘It's given me a chance and hopefully I'll take it. The bar is raised again and it is up for me to step up.
‘I was speaking to Glenn Whelan when I wasn't getting called up and he was telling the future is looking bright. There is a great chance to qualify and this group of players is good enough. The World Cup is definitely achievable.
‘Friday is a big chance for me to make my mark and hopefully I'll get a look in - I've been waiting 27 years for this.’
