Erin McLaughlin says the pieces are falling into place as she looks to take her club and international ambitions to the next level.
The Donegal attacker has been around the Republic of Ireland squad since before the World Cup, featuring in the friendly against Zambia but failing to make Vera Pauw's final panel.
She shone off the bench in last Friday's 5-1 UEFA Nations League win against Albania, and looks ready to really push hard having impressed interim boss Eileen Gleeson.
"I think being part of that World Cup preparation was a huge experience for myself," said McLaughlin, now in the third year of a teaching degree.
"Obviously for me not getting to the World Cup was disappointing, but the experience was amazing. And I feel like now this is my second chance to come and redeem myself and show what can I do.
"I was realistic. We had a break from the league when the World Cup was on so I took my time, went to Donegal and had a rest and then came back after with full focus on being better and just giving it my all really."
McLaughlin was a key figure in Peamount's SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division title glory this year.
Hailing from the picturesque seaside village of Culdaff, the 20-year-old is now gleaning lessons from two of the country's outstanding players as she looks to further improve her game.
"Just being around world-class players like Denise O'Sullivan and Katie McCabe - that's almost unreal itself," she said when reflecting on her first experiences around the senior camp.
"Being around that atmosphere, the environment of a professional set-up... I suppose there are other young girls looking on at you and you realise you can be a role model for them as well.
"So you’re taking all that in your stride and into your game, bringing into it what you can do at training. Just pushing yourself as hard as you can go, always being at the top of your game."
McLaughlin has been really buoyed by the Peas' success with the Dublin outfit coming under the radar to storm to a hugely impressive league win.
Most anticipated Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne to duke it out for the top prize, but Peamount displayed steel and consistency to blow them all away.
"It's my first medal," said McLaughlin.
"This was the maddest pre-season I was involved in. There was a lot going on between clubs, different players switching and swapping clubs and not just the top clubs.
"Peamount came in as underdogs. Nobody expected much from us and that suited us down to the ground. We just went in and trained so hard, ending up coming up on top which was amazing.
"I had a few chats [about making a move] but, no, I think it was always Peamount for me. I knew it was the club for me. As soon as I came into the club last year, it felt like home. I wanted to stay and do great things with them.
"Being underdogs suited us so well. We were able to go about business quietly, get to the top of the table coming into the break and we stayed there. Having the Champions League to look forward next year is brilliant."
Club glory, international recognition and praise from all around her - what next for Erin McLaughlin?
"I have huge ambitions to go pro," she admits. "I always have had a dream of going professional and playing in England and that hasn't changed.
"But for the minute, the plan is to get my degree first, secure that and take it from there, and that is what I am sticking to.
"Everyone in the squad is focusing on Euro 2025. We’re all pushing hard for places and qualifying begins here, trying to qualify for another tournament."
Watch Albania v Republic of Ireland in UEFA Nations League on Tuesday from 4.50pm 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
