There was blind hope that prolific Brentford striker Scott Hogan - who has spoken positively in the past about the prospect of representing Ireland - would be called up for Ireland's World Cup qualifier in Austria.
He was not, with Martin O'Neill indicating that the 24-year-old was instead using the international break to recover, having spent the bones of two years out of action through injury.
Still, with Ireland's striking options at best limited, there has been a clamour to get the Salford-born Hogan involved in the Irish setup; the pacy forward has netted 77 goals in 149 appearances for Brentford, and has two Irish grandparents. Speculation, in such circumstances, is obligatory.
However, the longer these supposed 'sagas' drag on, the less likely it seems the player in question is overly keen on donning the green jersey - totally understandable, of course, if they don't feel particularly Irish. But it's the hope that kills us.
But we can keep it alive for now.
Speaking to The Irish Sun's Neil O'Riordan, Hogan's club teammate, Brentford's Cork defender John Egan, indicated that Hogan - who has once again terrorised defenders in the Championship this season - will ultimately pledge his international future to Martin O'Neill's men:
Scott is on fire. He has 11 goals this season and you always fancy him in one-on-one situations.
He is a terrific striker, he’s quick and technically very good for us and hopefully he’ll be scoring goals in the green shirt some day.
I think he will [play for Ireland], he’s just back fit from doing his cruciate ligament twice so he’s just making sure he’s right.
Egan is the son of the late Kerry GAA legend with whom he shares a name, and is likely on the precipice of making an impact at international level himself.
His take on Hogan's international future will certainly put the minds of many Irish fans at ease, at least until March.
Speaking on the same topic back in November, Ireland manager Martin O'Neill said:
We definitely need someone who can score goals regularly and I think he can do that. His work in the penalty box, he can take chances, there is no question about that.
