Nathan Collins' footballing stock helps to keep him on an even keel.
His dad David had a spell at Liverpool and played for the Irish Under-21s; uncle Eamonn had a good career in England's lower leagues and once managed St Patrick's Athletic; grandad Mick won an FAI Cup with Transport in 1950; and brother Josh has played in the League of Ireland with UCD and Waterford.
So the Leixlip man is well aware that highs and lows are part of any career in the game. It's why he's relaxed about his recent spell out of the Wolves side, and confident it won't hinder his ability to shine for the Republic of Ireland.
"I'm fit and raring to go," Collins said ahead of Monday night's Euro 2024 qualifier against France.
"I look after myself. If I'm not playing, I still do the right things.
"I've been here before to be fair. There have been spells that I haven't played. I've a good background behind me looking after me and keeping me well.
"Me, my family, and everyone behind me, we're strong, we're willing to go work hard again and get back into the team. That's what I'm about, that's who I am, and that's my personality. There are the ups and downs. As I say, don't get too high, and don't get too low. It is what it is."
He will be tasked with nullifying France's awesome attack at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland look to pull off what would be one of their greatest ever qualifier wins.
Kylian Mbappe and Co waltzed past the Netherlands in Paris on Friday night to dispel any notions they may be suffering from a World Cup final hangover.
But Collins is loath to focus too much on the quality of Ireland's opponents.
"If you build it up too much, you could be in trouble," he said. "You'll get to the emotions, I'm just treating it as another game. We all want to go on the same routines and when it comes to it, it's what you want to do as a kid. You want to play against the best in the world.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited, I can't wait to go, but right now, I'm keeping myself controlled and calm and just looking after myself."
Ukraine 0-1 Ireland - Nathan Collins puts the visitors in front with a sensational individual goal having delivered a 'masterclass' of defending in the first half hour #rtesoccer #UKRvIRL
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 14, 2022
💻 https://t.co/w5JRG3O0hS
📺 https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE
📻 https://t.co/QHSJNYlfx8 pic.twitter.com/y0ulAtOn6J
The highlight of Collins' international career to date is undoubtledly that remarkable solo goal he scored against Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League last June.
It was one of the great Ireland goals, a brilliant piece of play that showcased Collins' technical capability and willingness to defend on the front foot.
Could it happen again?
"Who knows, honestly? I think it might be a one-off occasion, but if I can recreate it again, I'll try my best.
"I think as a young centre-half, you grow up stepping into play, but it was a one-off. I just saw the gap and had to go for it. If I didn't, I wouldn't have scored, so it was worth it."
It'll be a big atmospehere at Lansdowne Road tomorrow. A new campaign offers a clean slate, fresh optimism and a chance for these players to prove they are truly moving in the right direction under Stephen Kenny.
"I can't speak highly enough of the gaffer," Collins added. "Him, Keith [Andrews], everyone he's brought in, all the backroom staff, they've been unbelievable.
"Ever since I've come in, they've given me everything I've needed, they've given me the confidence I've needed, and they've given me the freedom I've needed.
"I can't speak highly enough of them and we know as a team, we're going to war for him, we're going to war for all the lads, we know how much work they do off the pitch and the only thing we can do is back them on the pitch.
"I'm playing the way the gaffer and the coaches want me, and that's all I can do. I've enjoyed every moment and I just want to keep going. I'm not stopping to think if I'm better or worse at the start.
"I want to keep improving, I want to create memories with Ireland and progress as much as we can."
Watch Republic of Ireland v France in Euro 2024 qualifying on Monday from 7pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on 2fm's Game On
