Robbie Brady admits that it's been "too long" since he played for Ireland as he seeks to start against Scotland in Glasgow on Saturday night.
The gifted midfielder won the last of his 57 senior caps in the 1-1 friendly draw with Qatar in the Hungarian city of Debrecen in March, 2021 before a series of injuries halted his career.
However, his summer move to Preston North End has seen him deliver a series of impressive displays at left wing back.
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Now, the 30 year old is keen to make up for lost time as the Boys In Green round off their disappointing Nations League campaign against the Scots and at home to Armenia next Tuesday.
"It's been too long, it has been great being back in," smiled Brady.
"I've just picked up where you I off and the lads seem happy to have me back in.
"I'm delighted to be here so I'm looking forward to a good week hopefully."
The Dubliner- who famously headed Ireland's winner at Euro 2016 against Italy to book a place in the last 16 of the tournament - never lost faith in his own ability and ambition to return to the senior set up.
"No, I didn't feel that I wouldn't get back .
"Obviously, it is difficult when you are out and missing the trips is a hard one to take. But my body wasn't behaving itself.
"I managed to get a lot of work in in the off-season. To be fair, Damien Doyle of the FAI helped me with my rehab and this summer.
"I did a lot of work in the off-season and hit the ground running in pre-season. Everything has been good so far, long may it continue.
"I got a lot of football under my belt. I am delighted to be here and I'll be ready to go if needed."
Brady is not afraid to concede that the last 18 months were mentally tough as he started last season without a club before eventually joining Bournemouth on a short term contract last November.
"It was difficult. I had quite a few offers actually around the transfer window but I wasn't ready to go into somewhere and start.
"I left it as late as I could and Damien gave me the option of working with him back here, which was brilliant and I managed to move when the window closed.
"It is obviously not nice when you are not ready to go in somewhere but things worked out. I am back playing and back involved which I am delighted about."
"Watching Ireland is hard. Being just a fan and wanting the lads to do well.
"I think they have been excellent in the games but it is difficult watching on when you are not involved but, like I said, I got myself in a good place and managed to get back involved."
Stephen Kenny continuously referenced Brady in the past 18 months and he kept in touch with the player.
"It's been difficult, in the last six to 12 months he has left it to me.
"I told him what I felt like I needed and he told me what he felt I needed and it sort of speaks for itself; I wasn't playing enough football to put myself in contention and I knew that myself.
"He's been great for me since he first come in, keeping in contact and his thoughts on me and where he thinks I can get to.
"I wasn't able to get myself in a position to give him what he needed. I am back fit and healthy and in a good place now to make an impact."
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