Max O'Leary is going to savour the moment as he knows they might be few and far between.
The Bristol City goalkeeper made his Ireland debut in Tuesday’s drab 0-0 draw away to Luxembourg - six years after his first call-up.
New Brentford signing Caoimin Kelleher was rested by Heimir Hallgrimsson and O’Leary got a late nod to let family know he would be starting.
They scrambled last minute flights and his parents were at Stade de Luxembourg to savour a landmark moment in their son’s career.
But with Kelleher in such good form, O’Leary knows it will be difficult to force his way into the team for the World Cup qualifiers in September.
And not only that, but Gavin Bazunu and Mark Travers were left out of this squad to rest and recuperate and will be back in the fold.
O’Leary, who made two impressive saves, said: “I’ve seen a few managers, been in lots of camps so it’s finally nice to get that first cap. A big occasion for me.
“I took it in my stride and just wanted to enjoy it more than anything. Not think too much about the outcome. Stay in the present. Have a bit of fun out there.”
O’Leary, 28, continued: “Knowing you might not play, but still turning up, and working every day, I love doing it, I love working hard to help others out when I need to.
“When it is my time, I’m ready to go. I’ve tried to be patient. I’ve been patient pretty much my whole career.
“I’m a bit older now so I know how the game works - you come in and it is something different, being with the boys, different coaches and you can learn off great players.
“Caoimh has been really great with me this week. So has Josh (Keeley). We know there are other lads waiting as well, there is a good unit there.”
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson left most of the Championship players out of this squad, as he was reluctant to risk injury as they are a month out of season.
O’Leary, clubmate Jason Knight and Robbie Brady were the exceptions from England’s second tier and while Brady came off early with an injury, it’s not serious.
But O’Leary had no issue delaying his summer holiday to make himself available for Ireland and said: “I feel I can bring something to the group. This time I got my chance.
“Anyone can play but it is rare to see a goalkeeper come on for a five, ten minute run around cameo. When you play you’ve got to stick in there and make it your own.
“I know the quality we have in this department. We are really lucky. I’ll do whatever I need to do and whatever I need to help.”
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