Republic of Ireland new boy Callum Robinson admitted to mixed feelings after making his international debut.
The Preston striker was capped by England right through from under-16 to under-20 level.
But Northampton-born Robinson switched international allegiance and made his Republic debut in Thursday's 4-1 Nations League defeat to Wales in Cardiff.
"It was huge for me. I had butterflies in my belly before the game," Robinson said.
"Obviously I was honoured and grateful that the gaffer (Martin O'Neill) trusted me to play.
"It would have been lovely to top it off with a result. That hasn't happened, so I'm gutted from a team point of view."
Robinson, 23, declared for Ireland in March after making over 30 appearances for England at age-grade level.
He qualifies through his Monaghan-born grandmother and described it as a proud moment for his family.
"All my family were here and I know that I've made them proud, especially my mum," Robinson said.
"My grandmother passed away when my mum was really young, so I know she'll be looking down on me.
"It's a big moment in my career but a big moment for the family as well."
The Republic had a troubled build-up to the Cardiff clash with Harry Arter involved in a spat with assistant manager Roy Keane and West Ham defender Declan Rice considering switching his international allegiance to England.
Both players made themselves unavailable as a result and Republic boss O'Neill also had to contend with a lengthy injury list which deprived him of several first-team regulars.
The Republic were 4-0 down inside 55 minutes, and O'Neill's squad now head to Poland for a friendly on Tuesday aiming to restore confidence ahead of their second Nations League game against Denmark next month.
"Obviously we could have defended a little bit better, but that's football," Robinson said.
"In some games you'll get away with a few errors but Wales took their chances.
"We could probably have been a bit braver on the ball, but I don't think there's anything too deep to it.
"We just didn't give ourselves a good start to the game and it becomes difficult from there."
