Daryl Murphy was shocked by his recent international recall — and even believes it might never have happened but for an injury to club colleague David McGoldrick.
Murphy will be hoping to take his tally of senior caps into double figures with an appearance in the friendly clash with Serbia in Dublin this evening (Sky Sports 3, 7.30pm).
But he admitted: "I think Didzy probably would have been in instead of me had he not been injured. I have to look at that as a positive for me.
"I don’t know if it would have come down to a straight choice between the two of us but they were enquiring about him and I think he would have been the man to pick had he not got injured.”
New Irish boss Martin O’Neill was at Portman Road a fortnight ago to take in the goalless draw with Blackpool in which McGoldrick sustained a late knee injury, later confirmed as ligament damage that is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season.
McGoldrick had only revealed his desire to represent the Republic of Ireland the previous week and having netted 16 times he looked a good bet to be given a chance.
But regardless of whether he owes his recall to his Town team-mate’s absence, Murphy could not be happier to be back in the international fold after a lengthy absence.
He said: "It came as a surprise — but a nice one. I thought my time might have gone because I knew that under the previous manager, for whatever reason, I just wasn’t going to get in the team.
"It wouldn’t have mattered how well I was playing, but with the new management in place it has given everyone a fresh chance.”
Initially, Murphy even wondered if he was the victim of an elaborate hoax when he was informed of his call-up by a text message received while he was still training at Playford Road.
He laughed: "At first I thought somebody was kidding me on but after I received another few texts, then noticed I had three missed calls, I was thinking that either it was a very good wind-up or there really was something going on.
"Representing my country means everything to me. When you are growing up that’s all you want to do, to play football and play for your country. I was no different to anyone else and I’m absolutely delighted to be back after a six-year gap.
"I’ve had one start — against Ecuador when we drew 1-1 and I got an assist — and eight sub appearances of about two minutes so if I do get a run it will be brilliant to test myself against a team of Serbia’s standard. They are a good side with some very good players.”
With the Republic of Ireland and Scotland drawn together in the same qualifying group for Euro 16 Murphy admitted it had been the subject of a brief chat with Town colleague Christophe Berra.
Murphy said: "We have spoken about it a little bit but he’s not saying too much about it. I don’t know if he’s happy or not about the draw but it’s going to be tough for both our countries.
"We all see Germany as the team who will probably top the group but I would say there’s a chance for us to take second place and qualify.
"It would be unbelievable to play for my country in one of the big tournaments. I’ve not been in the squad for six years but to get called into it now is a big chance for me.
"If I do get an opportunity to take part in the game against Serbia I need to prove that I’m good enough to stay in the squad.”
Murphy is joined in the Ireland squad by Paul Green, who will be looking to add to his 20 caps and one international goal, while Berra, who has 28 caps and has scored two goals, could be in action for Scotland as they take on Poland in a friendly in Warsaw.
On-loan midfielder Jonny Williams will be hoping to win his fifth full cap when Wales take on Iceland in Cardiff (Sky Sports 4, 7.30pm)