Denise O'Sullivan says her Republic of Ireland team-mate Katie McCabe is currently at the peak of her powers and hellbent on leading her country back to another major tournament.
McCabe is on the shortlist for the this year's Ballon d'Or award, with the winner set to named in Paris on Monday. She's the first Irish footballer to be nominated for the award since Roy Keane in 2000.
The Tallaght woman has had an incredible year with Arsenal and Ireland, being crowned player of the season at her club before spearheading the Girls in Green's first appearance at a World Cup in Australia.
She's carried that momentum into this campaign, lashing in a screamer in September's 4-0 UEFA Nations League win in Hungary and bagging a brilliant brace last weekend to help the Gunners to a 2-1 Women's Super League victory.
McCabe will miss Monday's star-studded gala because she will be in Albania to prepare for Ireland's UEFA Nations League clash, but O'Sullivan, and interim Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson, are determined to mark the occasion.
"Oh yeah, 100%," O'Sullivan said when asked if McCabe was now in her prime.
"To be nominated for such a prestigious award is incredible and for an Irish player to do that, we're really lucky to have her.
"I was speaking to Katie today and I was talking to her about the awards and all she could speak about was, 'I want to captain my country and that's really all I care about right now, and playing Albania'.
"So she was fully focused on the game and you can see that in Katie, how fully invested she is in this team and how much she wants to go out and play for her country, she loves doing it.
"But we're all really proud of her here."
Gleeson echoed those sentiments, adding: "We haven't discussed any plans [to watch the ceremony] until we get past Albania [in Tallaght tomorrow night] but look, it's a massive moment for Katie, it's a real accolade and we're all fully supportive and super proud of her.
"We won't let the moment go unmarked, that's for sure. But we'll keep her feet grounded!"
There was praise for another key figure in the dressing room, Diane Caldwell, who looks set to win her 100th cap against Albania tomorrow night - part one of the countries' double-header.
The 35-year-old defender has been a big figure for Ireland on and off the pitch. She was central to the 2017 stand against the conditions they were playing under and was startlingly honest in her assessment of Vera Pauw's reign after the Dutch coach departed.
"It is massive for Diane," added O'Sullivan. "I have played with Diane for many years, also with the [North Carolina] Courage at club level, so I know the dedication and what Diane does every single day.
"She is a true professional and I am really proud of her. To see her get her 100th cap here would be absolutely amazing."
Gleeson concurred, although she stopped short of confirming that Caldwell will start in Tallaght.
"She's really patriotic, really passionate and she gives her heart and soul in every performance, everything we want playing for Ireland, so it is a huge moment for her and a proud moment for everyone around her," said the manager.
"The cards are close to the chest [in terms of selection], but a proud moment."
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Watch Republic of Ireland v Albania in UEFA Nations League on Friday from 5.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live radio commentary on 2fm's Game On from 5.40pm
