He's finished his club season with a flourish and now Aiden McGeady is preparing to take EURO 2012 by storm.
The Spartak Moscow winger enjoyed his most effective campaign in a Republic of Ireland shirt during the successful quest to reach this summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine.
His opener against Macedonia in March 2011 set Ireland on their way to a crucial 2-1 victory and he's established himself as one of Giovanni Trapattoni's key attacking outlets.
For the 26-year-old, the choice of Russia for his club football has been vindicated, despite a brief period during the season when he found himself out of favour.
McGeady's last contribution was telling, as he set up both goals of a 2-0 triumph over Lokomotiv Moscow which secured Spartak a Champions League qualification spot.
"I got back into the team for the last seven or eight games and we'd a great end to the season," said the former Celtic wingman.
"There had been some issues a few months back but negative reports seem to get blown up but not much comes out when something good happens. I sort of expect that, being so far away.
"I'm happy there and I've still got two years left on my contract. Of course, I still have ambitions to play in England or wherever and I don't think I'd stay (in Russia) past my contract."
As for the immediate future, the 47-times-capped flanker is relishing Saturday's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina which marks the starting point of the countdown to the Euro opener against Croatia in Poland on June 10.
"Growing up, I always dreamed of one day playing in a World Cup or European Championships," he said. "It's been hard work, travelling all over the world to achieve qualification. Lot of players have waited their whole careers to play at a major tournament and it's brilliant to finally get there.
"The players are filled with energy about what's ahead. Even in training since we came in this week, it's been a step-up from the last few times that met up. That can only benefit us.
"It's going to take a colossal effort to get out of the group against Croatia, Spain and Italy yet it's really down to ourselves.
"Spain are probably favourites to win the group and the tournament but we've played against Croatia and Italy before. We've given the Italians three good games in the last few years.
"I don't think any of the other teams will be looking at us and thinking 'there's an easy three points'. It's obviously the same for us."
