Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill expects Kyle Lafferty will relish the role of being his country's chief marksman in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign after a frustrating time at club level.
Norwich striker Lafferty, 27, has been declared fit to lead the line against the Faroe Islands on Friday evening in what is expected to be his first competitive action since June following a knee problem.
O'Neill's side stand on the brink of qualification to a major international tournament for the first time since the 1986 World Cup and Lafferty, with five goals to his credit, has been an integral part of their lofty position in Group F.
While the Canaries may not have seen his value when they sent him on loan to Turkey at the back end of last season while they sealed promotion to the top flight, O'Neill anticipates Lafferty to thrive in the spotlight in Torshavn.
"He's looked fine, he's trained since Monday and he's had no issues; he's completed every session that we've done," the Northern Ireland boss said of Lafferty's fitness.
"He's in good form and he's upbeat. He's really keen to play. He's had a frustrating time at Norwich - not only since pre-season - he's had a frustrating time the second half of last season as well when he had to go out on loan.
"He's keen, he knows the significance of these games. He's keen to add to the five goals he's had in the tournament to date. He likes the fact that he's up there with the top goalscorers in Europe, he's enjoying that, he's reminded me of that on several occasions!
"We know what he'll give to the team. We know he'll give a tremendous work-rate and effort up front, regardless of if he doesn't score. How long he'll last or how fit he'll be remains to be seen. Certainly we know we'll get every last drop out of him."
West Brom's Chris Brunt is also over his hamstring problem to start a game that could see Northern Ireland open up a five-point gap in second place ahead of a possible monumental meeting with Hungary in Belfast on Monday.
Despite the prize of a spot in France next summer inching ever closer for his men, O'Neill is confident his side's focus will not waiver down the stretch.
And he does not believe the Faroes, who have defeated Greece home and away already, can be viewed as pushovers.
"I don't feel any added pressure than already exists," O'Neill said of the growing anticipation back home.
"The target is qualfiication. We've won twice away from home already in the group. We believe it will be as difficult to win here as it was in Greece, in Hungary.
"I get the feeling as we approach game seven leading into the final phase of the campaign the players are really focussed on what's required to get over the line.
"We'll make sure we'll do what's required throughout the remaining three games."
