Séamus Coleman says the magnitude of a high-pressure World Cup play-off tie might have been "a lot to take" for the Republic of Ireland's youngsters this time two years ago.
But speaking at the press conference in Prague ahead of Thursday's play-off semi-final against Czechia, the veteran defender is adamant that is no longer the case and that the Boys in Green are now ready for whatever will be thrown at them at Fortuna Arena.
The Donegal man is one of only two players in the current squad to have successfully navigated a qualification play-off.
Back in November 2015, Coleman started Ireland's Euro 2016 first leg against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Zenica.
The Irish side came through the partisan atmosphere with a crucial 1-1 draw - Robbie Brady, the only other survivor from that game opening the scoring. They would go on to win the home leg to qualify for what remains Ireland's most recent tournament appearance.
Prague will be different as it is a one-legged semi-final. But ten-and-a-half years on, Coleman believes the spirit of Zenica offers a vision of what is to come at the Fortuna Arena tomorrow night.
"It was a tough game, it was a hostile environment and I think tomorrow night will be that and will be the same," he told RTÉ Sport.
"And I think this group has come through a lot. The manager's touched a lot this week on hurdles this group has overcome and I think we're ready for it.
"It's going to be tough, it's going to be fiery out there. Maybe two years ago, it would have been a lot for the young lads to take.
"But I think everyone now has stepped up and are prepared for what's to come. We absolutely, no doubt about it, understand that it's going to be a tough game for us but it's also going to be a tough game for them as well."
The Everton captain added that he and Brady had made sure to tell their team-mates exactly what it means to represent Ireland on the grandest stages.
"We've spoken over the years, to be honest, as a group. The younger lads, like I was, would as the senior lads about those times," he said.
"Over the years we’ve spoken quietly about it and now we’ve all got an opportunity together to make something special happen.
"Thursday night, as we know, is massive for us we’re all looking forward to it. We come in off the back of a good couple of results and hopefully those young lads can feel what we felt."
Among the emerging crop that has grown over the qualifying campaign has been his Toffees team-mate Jake O'Brien.
The Corkman is one of the main contenders to start in defence on Thursday and Coleman said he had been privileged to witness his rise for club and country.
"Jake has been brilliant. He's first and foremost a great lad but he is available all the time, he plays every minute of every game," he said.
He plays right-back and a few spells at centre-back for the club as well and he has been fantastic. He has been great in the green shirt as well. I’m really happy for him and his family because he is a lovely lad."
Sitting next to Coleman in the press room at the Fortuna Arena, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed that there are no injury worries among the 25-man squad.
"Everybody came through the sessions fit and ready and obviously big game, all good players like to play in games like tomorrow," said the Icelandic head coach.
However, a much-discussed lack of post-injury game-time at club level has impacted the likes of Adam Idah, Bosun Lawal, Brady and Coleman.
But the latter said he was feeling sharp despite not making an appearance for Everton since last November.
"Of course everyone wants to be playing, but that's the way it works," said Coleman.
"I didn’t have many minutes before the last games but, to be honest, I train 100% every single day.
"Sometimes to my own fault, maybe I sometimes go too hard and it’s cost me at times. But it’s the only way I know and thankfully at club level we do train hard. As I say all the time, when you pull on the green shirt, when everything is at stake, with the games I’ve played in past, I’m feeling good and I’m ready for the game."
Fired up though he may be, the 38-year-old emphasised the need for "calm heads and a controlled game" as Ireland look to ensure that a play-off final at Aviva Stadium against either Denmark or North Macedonia is booked.
But within that need for zen, the resonance of what success would mean was not lost on him.
"Selfishly it would be amazing because as players you do want to do as much as you can in the game," he said.
"After the last two games, seeing what it did to our country, it was incredible. Even speaking about it now, it was incredible what it did to our country, how it lifted our country, how it lifted our people, how it made people happier and gave them something to get up in the morning and talk about.
"That is so important. As much as us players want to do it for ourselves and for the manager and all the people behind the scenes, we do want to do it for the people of our country as well."
Watch Czechia v Republic of Ireland on Thursday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app or listen to commentary on Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
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