Graham Burke has enjoyed the week of his dreams.
The Shamrock Rovers man got his first taste of senior action with the Republic of Ireland under stormy Paris skies against France last Monday, making an assured cameo in the 2-0 loss at the Stade de France.
On Saturday night at the Aviva Stadium he started against the USA, catching the eye with a confident display topped off with a poacher's goal.
Alan Judge's fine late winner gave John O'Shea a perfect send-off and as one lengthy international career ended, 24-year-old Burke hopes another is just beginning.
"It's been a brilliant week to come in here and train with the lads. I've relished every minute," he told RTÉ Sport.
"To get your first senior start for your country is unbelievable. To cap it off with a goal, I don't think I can put it in to words. To see the ball hit the back of the net, it's unbelievable.
"I thank the manager for showing confidence in me to go out and play. I tried to show him all week in training that I'm not out of place here, that I can mix it with these boys and show him the ability I have.
"I think over the week I've shown him and that's why he's put the trust in me and given me the start."
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