Izzy Atkinson was a little dejected after the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 victory over Hungary at Tallaght Stadium on Friday.
The Rush 22-year-old is one of the players who've benefited from interim manager Eileen Gleeson's commitment to a more expansive approach for the UEFA Nations League campaign, featuring heavily in the wins over Hungary [twice] and Albania [twice].
A left-footer who provides the side with natural width while allowing Katie McCabe to play more centrally, Atkinson has shown more than enough to suggest she'll be a part of whatever comes next for the Girls in Green in 2024.
But she was disappointed with her contribution against the Hungarians, who put the shackles on Ireland all night and were unlucky not to go away with a point. Such are the expectations on the shoulders of the Girls in Green these days that it's not enough to win these clashes; it's now about winning in style.
Atkinson was being hard on herself, but she brightened up when reflecting on her overall progress over the last few months.
"At this moment in time it's the proudest I've ever felt playing for Ireland," she said.
"World Cup, coming into camps... things at the club aren't going as I hoped. I come in here and it makes me enjoy football again, just being around everyone. There's no better feeling than being here. It's been the best year of my life. I'm really happy."
Atkinson was replaced in the 56th minute by Lucy Quinn on a frustrating night for the hosts. They never hit top gear as a physical and organised Hungary made the game into a scrap.
"I think we're just happy to come away with the three points," she added.
"It obviously wasn't one of our best performances but we'll take the three points.
"I was a bit disappointed to be honest, personally. Attacking is my best trait and I didn't feel like I committed too much going forward but I'm just happy for the team and we got the three points.
"I think it was one of them games where I just couldn't get into it. I felt like I was getting into it the second half and then obviously I got taken off. That's football."
Ireland face Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Tuesday in what is likely to be Gleeson's final game at the helm. The FAI intend to name Vera Pauw's permanent successor before Christmas, so a new era is almost upon us as Ireland look forward to the Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Atkinson is quickly becoming one of the more experienced faces in a squad that includes teenaged talent like Abbie Larkin, Jessie Stapleton, Erin McLaughlin, Ellen Dolan and Freya Healy.
She's more than happy to assume the senior status, smiling: "It's nice not to be the young one anymore. A few new players coming in, Freya and Ellen, so it's been really nice.
"It makes me think back to when I was 16 and I got called in. You just see how nervous they are. You just want to be there for them and help them, push them in training and stuff. It just reminds me of when I was there."
