Jack Taylor says it would be a special moment for his whole family if he finally makes his Republic of Ireland debut in either of their Nations League games during this international break.
The Irish are in Finland tomorrow and Greece on Sunday with Taylor one of four Town players in the squad alongside Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene and Dara O’Shea.
Taylor received his first Ireland call-up in 2020 when with Peterborough and has been named in squads since the on a number of occasions but without ever making it onto the pitch. His lack of regular starts with Town last season saw him drift out of the picture.
However, the Hammersmith-born midfielder’s impact off the bench this season - he has made five Premier League sub appearances - hasn’t gone unnoticed by new Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson.
"It means everything,” Taylor said regarding his call-up. "Obviously I haven’t been part of the set-up for a while now so I’m obviously delighted to be recognised and to be called up.
"I’ve been a bit gutted when I haven’t been called up and questioned why I wasn’t given the opportunity but these things happen in football. It’s just one of those things you have to get on with.
"I’m 26 now. I was praying it would come a little bit earlier but I’m just delighted to be here now. When that moment does come then it will be that bit more special for the whole family.”
Taylor, who qualifies for Ireland through his County Longford-born grandfather, Jimmy Skelly, added: "I used to go most years to see my family. My mum has always been really proud to be Irish and my Grandad was the most Irishman ever. He would be very proud now looking down.”
Despite having been overlooked last season, the former Barnet man says the call didn’t come as too much of a shock.
"Not really,” he reflected. "I knew the manager was at the game against Aston Villa, so I knew if I was to come on and make an impact, at least impress him.
"He just said that I can bring a different aspect in the middle of the pitch, whether that’s going forward progressing with the ball. He likes my attacking side, but obviously defensively as well you need to bring every aspect of your game to the team.
"So, he’s not specifically told me I’m here for this or here for that, just embed myself in the team and become a part of the squad.”
Taylor’s target is to get on the pitch at some stage over the two games with Ireland needing results after losing their first two Group B2 matches last month, 2-0 defeats at home to both England and Greece in Dublin.
"That’s the aim - just to get on the pitch and try and bring something different to the team,” he said.
"We need at least a win I think in this camp, so hopefully a good performance and definitely a good result would be very positive.”
Taylor, who won seven caps at U21 level, is pleased to have his three Irish teammates alongside him at Town, the trio having joined over the summer.
"It’s good to have them on board,” he said. "The success we have had the last couple of seasons has been not short of a miracle really. We are trying to prove we are in the Premier League for a reason and I think we have started off really well.
"It’s obviously a step up. We knew it was going to be with the quality of players you are coming up against week in, week out.
"Obviously, there are no easy games at all and I’m trying to do as best I can to get that first start. I have had a couple of cameo performances, hopefully I’ll get that start soon.
"We have some great midfielders at the minute with Kalvin [Phillips] and Sam Morsy and Jens [Cajuste] who came in from Napoli.
"I knew there was going to be loads of competition getting promoted to the Premier League, but I believe in myself that I’m good enough to fight for my position and the last couple of weeks show that I have. Hopefully I will get that start. It is just about training right and bringing the best of myself every day.”
While there are four Town players in this squad, the Irish set-up are very keen for Liam Delap, currently away with the England U21s, to switch allegiance.
But Taylor believes the 21-year-old is happy playing his international football where he is at the present time.
"To be honest I’ve not really spoke to him about it,” he said. "He’s a great lad. I think he’s committed to play for England at the minute, unless he decides to change. Then I think we’d be happy enough to get him on board.”