Sean St Ledger has told setanta.com that his plan is to keep fighting for a place in the Republic of Ireland team after making his debut.
The Preston North End defender impressed in the friendly match with Nigeria last week and is determined to use that as a launch pad for his international career.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side are in need of extra cover at centre-back, so the 24-year-old has naturally been mentioned by many sources as someone that could force his way through in that position.
In fact, speculation currently circulating suggests that he could start in the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria with John O'Shea switching to right-back.
St Ledger admits to just being happy with making the Irish squad, but his ambitions are quite deep-rooted and he is eager to keep building up his international caps.
"It was a massive bonus just to be involved in the squad and then to get to start the game was fantastic," St Ledger told setanta.com.
"[Afterwards], the manager said 'well done and congratulations on your debut'. It is always nice for someone like Mr. Trapattoni to say good things about you, so I'm glad that he was pleased with how I played.
"I thought that it went well and I was happy enough with my own performance. Hopefully I can stay in the squad now.
"There is a lot of competition for places in the squad, but all I can do is keep working hard whenever I get a chance. Obviously it would be great to play more games, but I'll have to see what the manager decides."
The Birmingham-born player was one of six players to make their first appearance for The Boys In Green and he probably stood out more than the others.
However, he attributed to his confident display to the advice that defensive partner Richard Dunne was feeding him throughout the match in Craven Cottage.
"He [Dunne] made it easier for me, to be honest," stated St Ledger.
"He is a great player and is always talking, which helped me as he was trying to make me realise what is needed to become an international player.
"For the whole match he was talking to me and helping me along the way. Playing alongside someone of his quality will always make you play better."