Republic of Ireland and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne has had a memorable few weeks on the pitch for both his club and country.
Byrne made his first start for the Boys in Green in the 3-1 friendly win over New Zealand.
The 23-year-old was crowned PFAI Player of the Year for his performances with the newly crowned FAI Cup winners.
The Dubliner reflected last night on a great period for him personally:
"Just brilliant, I've obviously been at the Aviva (Stadium) a couple of times, memories that I can take away with me and bring to the grave with me," when asked about the last couple of weeks.
Byrne added: "It's been a great week and I'm just looking forward to having a break now as well after Monday."
The Hoops playmaker was always willing to get on the ball against New Zealand, something he says will never change:
"I only know one way to play, just trying to get on the ball, make things happen.
"I tried do that tonight (Thursday), sometimes it came off, sometimes it didn't, but that's what I tried doing, that's what I'll always do."
Jack Byrne was one of four players making his first start against New Zealand along with Troy Parrott, Lee O'Connor and Kieran O'Hara.
Byrne and Parrott are from the same area in Dublin, so Byrne was keen to assist Parrott on his senior debut:
"I'm obviously good friends with Troy (Parrott), so I was trying to get him a goal and sometimes forcing it a little bit but I enjoyed it, I thought it was a good game."
Byrne says both players enjoyed their journey to Lansdowne Road:
"It's been brilliant, even just driving into the ground, we're going past Ballybough and Summerhill and his (Parrott's) nanny's house is decked out in all the Ireland stuff.
"It's good to have somebody from the same area and hopefully we're doing the people there proud.
"Even just being in the stadium and seeing familiar faces, that you might not have seen in a while, coming out and supporting you, it's a nice feeling."
