Jason Knight believes that the dark days at the start of Stephen Kenny's reign have helped to create the character that the team showed against Belgium on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland twice went behind to the world number one-ranked side and twice fought their way back into the game as first Chiedozie Ogbene and then Alan Browne equalised.
The game ended 2-2 with Roberto Martinez’s side, leading to praise from the travelling Belgium manager about the spirit and fight shown by the Ireland team in front of a packed and vocal home support.
And Knight believes that the team have developed throughout the 18 months that Kenny has been in charge of the national side.
It took Ireland 12 matches to win a game when Kenny took over, and not only did the team have to deal with disappointing results like losing at home to Luxembourg and exit the Euro 2020 play-offs on penalties, but they also had to handle a string of Covid-interrupted international windows, while speculation also mounted over the future of the manager.
"I think there is great character in this squad," said Knight, speaking at the post-match press conference.
"From dealing with setbacks, we have gone through tough times as a squad. And I think to come through those times we built a big, big character in the squad."
And similarly, Knight feels that the character has also been enhanced from strong performances against excellent sides like Portugal, Serbia and now Belgium, which augers well for future campaigns.
"Look, you always have tough times in your career," said Knight, when asked about the Luxembourg defeat from 12 months ago.
"That was a tough time for the country and for the squad, but the progression I think we have seen throughout the last year, 18 months has been really good and there is still more to come.
"We are progressing, but there are things to improve. We always believe when we go out on that pitch that we can compete with anyone, even those big nations."
Knight has filled a number of roles since breaking into the senior side from his traditional central midfield role to a wider slot, and even in more advanced positions, as was the case on Saturday for the Belgium game.
And while the Derby County youngster admits that he primarily sees himself as a central midfielder, he values the importance of playing in the starting eleven, whether for club or country.
"I have always grown up as a central midfielder, but you come away with Ireland or go away with Derby and I just want to be playing.
"That’s when I am happiest, so anywhere really."
Knight’s forward role sees him link up with Chiedozie Ogbene and Callum Robinson in an energetic attacking trio, and Knight feels that they have built up a great relationship both on and off the pitch.
And the young Dubliner feels that the arrival of Ogbene into the squad has had a really positive effect on the atmosphere, and that he brings an attitude that others can learn from.
"I have played with Callum and Chieo quite a bit now. It is quite a fluid relationship and we are good mates off the pitch, and that helps a lot.
"I think Chieo has been a breath of fresh air ever since he came into the squad. He is great around the place and obviously his performances have been excellent.
"We just need more from that and the rest of the squad moving forward."
Knight will return to his club following the Lithuania game, and will face into a battle to avoid relegation to League 1, the third tier of English football.
Serious speculation suggests that Knight will be making an exit from the under-pressure club in the summer, however, the Dubliner emphasised that he was not thinking about what moves were best for his career, but rather listening to his coach Wayne Rooney and continuing to try to improve as a player, while helping his club out of their current predicament.
"I haven’t really thought that far ahead," said Knight, when asked had he learned from examples like the Jamie McGrath transfer, which has had a negative effect on his international career due to lack of game time.
"I am taking it game by game. It is obviously a difficult situation at Derby, we are still trying to get out of it, I want to play my best for the club.
"And when I come away with Ireland it is the same, I am just trying to do my best, and try and keep myself in the team as much as I can.
"The gaffer at Derby has been a great player but he has been a really, really good coach for me so far, giving little snippets of advice.
"And I am trying to take that day by day, like I say, just to improve. That’s the best thing I can do at the moment."
