'I Want To See If I Can Get On Plane To Euros' - Callum O'Dowda
"I could be his father I suppose", quipped Ireland goalkeeping centurion Shay Given, during this afternoon's press conference at the FAI National Training Centre.
Beside him, the very assured Oxford United winger, Callum O'Dowda beamed from ear-to-ear.
The rare smile revealed a set of braces, almost making him look every bit the 12-year-old that Martin O'Neill joked he was just moments earlier.
O'Dowda (L) alongside Jeff Hendrick at today's training session - ©INPHO/Gary Carr
On a more serious note, the Ireland manager was not afraid to heap high praise upon the left-sided midfielder.
"With a little bit of luck he's the future of the Republic of Ireland national side.
"Hopefully, over the next decade if he's brought into the squad, maybe for the World Cup qualifying games. Perhaps! It would be nice to know he won't feel daunted by it."
The most striking thing about O'Dowda today, as he faced the Irish media for the first time, was his self-confidence which certainly is not lacking, but not in a cocky way.
He told 98FM Sport's Stephen Doyle that he wants to make his mark sooner than the World Cup qualifiers next Autumn