Shane Duffy is determined to come back from a summer of rest and "show everyone how good I am again" after ending a challenging season with a fine display for the Republic of Ireland in Hungary.
The Derryman was to the fore as Stephen Kenny's side shut out the Euros-bound hosts in a Budapest stalemate.
It was a welcome confidence booster for Duffy, who has slipped down the pecking order for his country having endured a challenging year personally and professionally.
Just over a year ago his father died, and while a loan move to Celtic from Brighton last summer looked like a dream move, it turned sour as Duffy struggled in an out-of-sorts team.
He's now back at the Seagulls and looking forwards to rebuilding his career next season.
After a difficult campaign for club and country, Shane Duffy was delighted to sign off with a fine display in Budapest #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/7lzZx8fjTq
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 8, 2021
"I was delighted to actually be out playing football again and it was another positive result," Duffy told RTÉ Sport.
"It's always tough when you go through a tough spell, and I think most footballers do in some part of their career. I've a great manager here who trusts me. I have no complaints about not playing in the team.
"I try to play my role and try to help the younger lads. Listen, I haven't been playing football. I have [to say] thanks to the manager for giving me a game first and foremost. I enjoyed it. I'd sort of forgotten what it felt like to play football!
"Hopefully that's the bad bit over. I'll have a little rest and I'll be ready to be back next season, kick on and show everyone how good I am again."
Ireland had their chances to nick a win at the Szusza Ferenc Stadion, with John Egan hitting the bar and substitute Chiedoze Ogbene threatening late on.
Overall though this was a solid outing, one which Ireland will look to build on in September's World Cup qualifiers.
"I thought we could have played better in the first half," added Duffy.
"We were a bit sloppy at times but we had big chances. They're a good side. They're going to the Euros and we wish them all the best."
