Things are happening quickly for Sean Maguire.
After firing Cork City to an unassailable lead at the top of the League of Ireland, Maguire moved to Preston in August, was involved in Martin O'Neill's extended Ireland squad for the first time, and then, on Saturday, bagged his first goal for his new club. Preston fans have even been calling him the 'Irish Diego Costa'.
But as quickly as it's all been, Maguire is unfazed, and believes he is ready to take the step up and actually contribute to the Irish first team immediately.
In an interview with The Herald's Aidan Fitzmaurice today, Maguire has spoken of his confidence about breaking into the Ireland team for the games against Moldova and Wales next month.
I feel physically sharper now as I have improved a lot and my confidence is high now after scoring.
If I do get the opportunity to make the final squad and maybe play for Martin and Roy, I think I would rise to that challenge.
I was in the 39-man squad for the last games, that was a big honour for me and my family but making the next step is what I want. I can’t look too far ahead but if the chance came for me, I feel I could play.
His career has been progressing at a rapid upward trajectory lately. His earlier career hiccups, which were understandable given his youth and the challenge of playing for a big club like West Ham, seem to be behind him now.
I know the level I am playing at now. I rose to the challenge of playing in Europe for Cork, I have risen to the challenge here with Preston, I have my first goal now, there is room for improvement. But if I got that call from Ireland, I’d see it as another challenge to meet.
Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane was in attendance at Deepdale over the weekend, and will have no doubt liked what he saw from the 23 year old, but Martin O'Neill's comments in the past suggests he might want to see a lot more of him before he puts him in that position.
That said, Ireland have scored two goals in their last four qualifiers, so why not have a look at the in-form goalscorer?
You can read the whole, extensive interview with Sean Maguire in today's Herald.
SEE ALSO: "The Irish Diego Costa"- Preston Fans Gleefully Review Sean Maguire's MOTM Performance
