Robbie Keane is hoping for a tough run-out tonight as he leads out the Republic or Ireland against neighbours Northern Ireland in Dublin.
The Carling Nations Cup encounter at the Aviva Stadium is viewed as little more than a friendly and neither side will be anything near full strength.
Yet with a Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia looming on 4 June and Keane lacking match sharpness after a frustrating season, the Tottenham forward is anxious to be in the thick of the action.
The 30-year-old said: ‘It is not just leading the team, it is playing for my country.
‘I have always been enthusiastic about that since the day I put the green jersey on for my first game. That hasn't changed.
‘Whether I have the armband or not, that's irrelevant.
‘I am sure it will be fairly competitive and both sides will want to win the game.
‘No matter what numbers we have, every friendly or international is important.
‘Whether it's against Northern Ireland or anyone else, you want to win.’
Keane has endured a frustrating season having fallen out of favour at Spurs and then had a loan spell at West Ham blighted by injury and which ended in relegation.
With the Hammers now not interested in a permanent deal, Keane accepts he is likely to start next season at his ninth professional club.
He said: ‘It is one of those things. I have had it most of my career. It doesn't really bother me and it is something I cannot really worry about.
‘As professional footballers you don't have a stable home - you go off here, there and everywhere that has certainly been the case for me.
‘I have still got a few years left so I will make the most it.’
Keane's immediate priority is to help Ireland to victory in their Euro 2012 qualifier in Macedonia on 4 June.
The Irish step up their preparations for that game against their neighbours tonight before taking on Scotland at the same venue on Sunday.
They wrap up their summer programme with a friendly against Italy on 7 June and Keane, having recently overcome a calf problem, intends to finish his campaign positively.
He said: ‘Certainly it's about getting through these next two games and then focusing on the Macedonia game.
‘I am really looking forward to being with the Irish team and switching off from the Premier League and helping this team get three points against Macedonia.’
