One key factor driving Robbie Brady's 2026 World Cup ambition
Regardless of what happens, he will always have Lille. And Lyon.
But Robbie Brady knows he isn't getting any younger and that opportunities to play at the highest level are running out, so when it comes to both club and country, the Dubliner seems more determined than ever to seize the day.
That goes for the prospects of adding to his 160 Premier League appearances as much as it does the chance of appearing at another major international tournament.
At 33 years of age, next year's World Cup represents one of his last chances to add to that sensational Euro 2016 contribution, when Brady etched his name into Irish footballing folklore.
His late winner against Italy in Lille became the Stuttgart moment for a generation that wasn't fortunate enough to be around when Ray Houghton put the ball in the English net.
Brady followed that up with the opener in Ireland's last-16 clash with tournament hosts France, who rallied in the second-half with two Antoine Griezmann goals.
'You want to be involved in every tournament,' said the Preston ace. 'We haven't managed that over the last couple but this one coming around, we'll all be fully focused.
'We know what it means to everybody. We know what a lift it will be give to the country, to go and qualify for a World Cup.
'And personally it would be absolutely incredible to go and play in a World Cup.
'It will be full steam ahead now come September, and get ourselves in the best shape we can and be prepared and ready to go.'
As for Father Time, he said: 'Maybe, there's no lying about it, I'm not getting any younger.
'But, like I said, the team we have now, it's a physical young team, and it suited me to come in and sort of play the role I've played.
'It's been great for me. But like I said, we'll be looking forward to this tournament, we'll be looking to start well and hopefully qualify.
'But yeah, I'll be looking at this as probably the last, there are no secrets about it.'
The veteran did acknowledge that the large chunks spent away from the game through injury in recent years could see his career go into additional time.
So no one is ruling out a Euro 2028 appearance just yet.
'Yeah, listen, I missed out on some time and I'll be looking to get that back if I can. It's down to how I look after myself and where the next couple of seasons take me,' he said.
'I'll focus on the now. I'm fit at the minute.I'm feeling good and I feel like I'm playing some good football. I'll focus on the now and see where it takes me.'
Brady has made a remarkable comeback on the international stage, playing eight times last year and twice more already in March's Nations League play-off against Bulgaria.
His winner away to Finland last October played into the decision to name him the 2024 FAI Senior Ireland Player of the Year.
Considering he did not feature at all for Ireland in 2023, did he feel like his Ireland days were numbered?
'No, listen, obviously there are doubts around that time when you are not getting a call-up,' he replied.
'I wasn't fit at the time but I knew if I could get myself fit and looked after my body, and I got back playing, the rest was down to me to perform.
'I managed to do that and I never lost belief that I could get myself back. It was down to a fitness thing. I don't think you just forget how to play football.
'If I'm fit I can perform and I've managed to do that since I've come back in.'
Brady also hasn't given up on a return to the Premier League.
He said: 'Listen, it's a game of opinions at the end of the day. Do I still think in a certain team I could do a job playing at that level?
'I've re-signed at Preston and I'm delighted. We'll see what shape we can get ourselves in come the start of pre-season, and see if we can make a run for it next year.'
Meanwhile, he explained why his second Player of the Year award was all the sweeter, after winning his first in 2016.
Brady, who saw off competition from Caoimhin Kelleher and Nathan Collins, said: 'This one means a little bit more to me.
'In 2016 I was a lot younger and playing really well at the time. Not that I expected to win then because I was in a really good team, but I was in really good form.
'To come back now, after a little time out, the group and staff have helped me to get back to a level where I feel comfortable. I am playing some good football at the minute, and really enjoying it, so it means a lot to me.'
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson paid tribute to the man who has emerged as a key figure in his side.
'First of all he is a good footballer,' explained Hallgrímsson, 'but for us with his experience, his knowledge, his character, his leadership skills, it is really important for us to have a player like him because we have such a young squad that is lacking the experience we need to play on the big stage.
'We are really fortunate to have him. Doc (Matt Doherty) as well, similar age, similar experience, so all teams need quality players and leaders like him.'
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