Stephen Ward is hoping for some game time with the Republic of Ireland as he nears full fitness following an injury-plagued season.
The Burnley left back has struggled with an ankle injury for most of last season but is hoping to get some match practice when Ireland play against Northern Ireland in a behind-closed-doors training match on Thursday.
Ireland take on England in a friendly international on Sunday at the Aviva, with the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland next week.
And Ward said: “Obviously I’ve had a tough season with the injury and I suppose it’s only been the last three or four weeks of the season where I’ve felt I’m getting back to my peak, so for me to have time off wouldn’t be the ideal situation.
“So this week and tomorrow has come around nicely for me and hopefully I can get some minutes under my belt and get a bit of match practice.”
Ward continued: “It’s one of those things... the injury took a bit longer than expected. But it was quite a serious injury in the end so to be feeling the way I am now is great and tomorrow will come nicely.
“It’s always nice to be involved here. You want to come away at the end of the season with your country, and all the lads are getting themselves sharp and are ready to go.”
Ward added that the performance was more important than the result against England on Sunday, saying: “Obviously everyone in the squad will want to get one over on England, but we’ve got to concentrate on it being another game where we want to perform well and do things right.
“As has been said during the week it’s a bit of a dress rehearsal for what is a massive game the week after.”
Meanwhile, The Republic of Ireland have climbed two places in the latest FIFA world rankings, released today.
Ireland rise to 60th place but remain 16 spots behind today's training-match opponents Northern Ireland. World champions Germany stay top with Belgium up to second.
