Lee Bonis says it would be a "dream come true" to run out for his country.
The Larne striker has capped off a memorable season by being called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the Euro 2024 qualifying double-header against Denmark and Kazakhstan.
Bonis' impressive form for the Invermen as they secured a first-ever Irish Premiership title earned him a call up to Michael O'Neill's end-of-season training camps.
Read next: Cliftonville appeal to fans after some online posts have 'crossed the line'
The 23-year-old impressed O'Neill and was delighted to open the email confirming he had been drafted into the match squad.
Bonis admitted it was "a bit surreal" to go from cheering on his heroes at Windsor Park to playing with them.
"The first time coming in seeing them I was a bit taken aback but like everybody else you're here to play football.
"They're all sound boys, they all get on with you and help you as much as they can.
"My family were delighted for me because they knew I always wanted to play for my country.
"But they're not even asking how I am, they're asking how everybody else is. 'What's Jonny like? What's Craig like?' But they're all happy for me.
"It's a big, massive step. In the past couple of weeks I've learned a lot.
"The first training camp was tough because the speed of the players compared to the Irish League is a lot different.
"The first game we played I had to sort of read the game a wee bit more to see what was going to happen, then I realised 'He does this, he does that' so I'm going to try and fit it into my game and see what I can do differently.
"It would be a dream come true (to play), wouldn’t it? Every young boy wants to play for their country if they can. If I can get five minutes, 10 minutes, I'll be happy enough."
Bonis has certainly taken everything in his stride throughout his career, none more so than after his six-figure move to Larne.
The former Portadown forward insists he will continue to back himself and says he thrives off the "outside noise" from social media.
"I think you've got to back yourself, coming in and stepping up the levels every time," said Bonis.
"I started off low, you've got to aim for the highest and work your way up, it's hard work and you get your rewards at the end of it.
"I'm on social media, I see everything everyone says but I take it with pinch of salt, but it helps me a lot. I thrive off it. It makes me play better. When the crowd is on my case I'll be looking to show them what I can do."
Bonis has certainly shown what he can do since making the switch to Inver Park, and he hailed the influential his boss Tiernan Lynch has had on his career.
"He's been a massive influence," said the striker. "He's pushed me a lot, so have all the coaching staff at Larne.
"They see me on a daily basis, they know that I'm more than capable. I want to keep working hard. I think he sees something I don't so it's a big plus having him around me every day.
"I've always wanted to win the Irish League, I've done that and I've got called up to Northern Ireland so I'm over the moon for this year."
READ NEXT:
- Michael O'Neill compares new boy Lee Bonis to former Irish League star
Premier League giants confirmed for special SuperCupNI Elite section
Billy Bingham is up there with the likes of Guardiola says Martin O'Neill
Ex-Coleraine star ready to 'level up' after signing new Kilmarnock deal
Sign up to our f ree sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
