For two years, John Egan was out of sight and out of mind for the Republic of Ireland.
The centre-back had been a mainstay in defence since making his senior debut nine years ago.
But then the 33-year-old was rocked by an Achilles injury in September 2023 which sidelined him for the remainder of that nascent Premier League campaign.
By the time he returned in the early stages of last season, he had moved from Sheffield United to Burnley in the Championship.
It took the Corkman some time to get back playing regularly which then had a knock on effect on his chances of getting back into the Ireland picture.
And yet, amid the manic celebrations in Budapest after sealing an unexpected World Cup play-off spot, Egan was visible in the frame as Ireland's players celebrated on the pitch and in the dressing room.
He had clearly timed his international return to perfection. The first call-up under Heimir Hallgrimsson was for the October window where he played the latter stages of the gutsy 1-0 defeat to Portugal.
Further game-time did not follow but he was a key voice behind the scenes for the Ireland's three crucial wins in a row that resurrected qualification dreams.
And now as the Boys in Green get set for Thursday's play-off semi-final against Czechia in Prague, the Hull City defender has again made the cut.
"It was a long time out of the fold, having been in the squad regularly," Egan told RTÉ Sport before the Irish squad flew out to the Czech capital.
"I got a big injury and had to work hard to get back on the pitch at club level and then try to perform to a standard where I'd be called upon with Ireland because I think everyone knows how much playing for Ireland means to me.
"For me to get back in the squad was pleasing and to get back in for such important games and help the group was brilliant."
To be there in Budapest as Troy Parrott's hat-trick sealed a 3-2 win over Hungary - and the play-off place with it - the experience was akin to a night at the pictures for Egan.
"We took a lot of confidence from the Portugal game and I think that showed, even at 2-1 down (in Budapest), we still all had a feeling that we could get the win," he recalled
"And for Troy to do what he did, it was unbelievable, probably felt like you were in a bit of a movie at times, but an incredible feeling. We have to kind of riding off the back of that wave now and keep that confidence and positivity going."
Ireland captain Nathan Collins has been effusive in his praise of Egan and Séamus Coleman for the way in which have lifted spirits behind the scenes.
Consciously or not, Egan has settled into that role of being one of the elder statesmen.
"I'm not sure really, but probably having not been in the previous camp (September) when you know the lads were probably a bit low after the game, it probably helped," he said.
"We’re familiar faces even though we were coming back into the squad, maybe a bit of experience might have settled everyone down, day to day standards in training, didn’t allow anyone to take their foot off the pedal.
"You’d obviously have to speak to the lads to see what they felt, but hearing Nathan say that was nice from Nathan and it was good to come in and have a positive impact on the group. Séamus played every game and I was pushing hard in training so it was good to come in and be a positive help."
While he recognises the contribution he can make in a non-playing role, Egan is still keen to force his way back into a starting place in an area of depth for Ireland.
"I'm as hopeful as anyone," he said of the potential of earning selection in what is likely to be a back five.
"We're all working as hard as we can to go out and train and do really well and whatever team the manager picks, we all row in behind that, whether we’re playing or not playing, we need to be ready. So yeah, I’m hopeful but just focusing on working hard every day."
A number of players came into the camp off the back of recent injuries might be a tad undercooked where match sharpness is concerned.
But Egan certainly does not fall into that category. He has started 33 of Hull's 39 games in the Championship, form which prompted the Tigers to trigger an extension to his contract which will take him to the summer of 2027.
"Regular football is really important. I played regularly all my career really until I got the injury," he said.
"So it's been good to get a good run of games and try and get back to my best.
"Obviously looking back now, I've had goals in my career and obviously after the injury one of the biggest goals I had long term was to get back into the Ireland squad. So I've managed to do that now and hopefully I can keep my form up at club level and if I get a chance with Ireland take it."
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