Liam Boyce insists he will always be grateful to Ian Baraclough for how the former Northern Ireland boss handled the striker's self-imposed international exile.
Boyce made himself unavailable during Baraclough's reign due to family reasons, but is now ready to rejoin the fold under returning manager Michael O'Neill.
The Hearts striker is still recovering from a cruciate knee injury sustained last August but could feature at the tail end of the Euro qualifying campaign.
Read more: Cathcart to captain injury-hit Northern Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying opener
"I met Michael about two months ago. He was just asking me what was happening," Boyce told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast.
"I was worried that people would jump to conclusions and think there was something wrong between me and Bara. But if anything I appreciate him more for what he did for me.
"My son was just born, and a member of my family was sick, and I couldn't leave my partner in the house on her own with two kids and a dog and a sick family member.
"It just wasn't right for me to go on international trips, and Bara understood. He said he completely understood my decision and just said for me to give him a call if anything got better.
"For me to go on Northern Ireland trips for 10 days, and travel to God knows where in Europe, it was difficult.
"Family members used to fly over and help my partner, but I just couldn't manage that the last couple of years. And family means everything to me, and if it ever comes down to football or family there is only one winner."
Boyce added: "When Michael spoke to me, things had settled down. My son is older now, even though he runs about and causes havoc.
"My family member has been gradually getting better and getting good news, so there is less pressure on my partner.
"Obviously I have to get fit. I can't just get back and play. I am not sure if I will be available until next season.
"I can't walk onto the squad without playing, and I can't just walk back onto the team. You need to be scoring goals to play international football."
Boyce is just one name on a deepening injury list for returning boss O'Neill, who kicks off his new reign with Euro qualifiers against San Marino and Finland.
Steven Davis, Jonny Evans, Corry Evans, Ali McCann, Shayne Lavery and Conor McMenamin are just some of the names missing for the double-header.
"They are massive names. They are the ones you need on your team sheet," Boyce said.
"Steven Davis is a big miss. The year Northern Ireland qualified, that's the best I have ever seen anyone play for a whole campaign.
"If you were in trouble you just gave him the ball and he did something with it. And he made you look good.
"So he is a big miss.
"Stuart Dallas is also a massive loss. Since he went to Leeds United he has been unbelievable.
"The step up from him, physically and football wise, it has been a joke.
"It is obviously a crucial time, the start of a new campaign, and I am sure Michael would love to have those players available."
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