Republic of Ireland midfielder Colin Healy is determined to put the disappointment of the World Cup behind him as he aims for the European Championships.
Healy found himself in the limelight before the tournament in South Korea and Japan as Irish captain Roy Keane was banished from the squad.
The 22-year-old Celtic star looked set for a call-up to Mick McCarthy's squad as replacement but FIFA regulations prohibited the move.
Now Healy is hoping to put himself in the frame for a place in the Republic's bid to qualify for Portugal 2004 after a summer of frustration.
Healy said: "I was getting reporters calling me up all the time and hanging about to ask what was happening and I didn't know myself.
"When I did find out that I wouldn't be going, I just went off on holiday as planned and relaxed.
"I watched all the games and I thought they were absolutely brilliant. We were really unlucky against the Spanish, but it was a great tournament.
"Everything that happened is all in the past now, but obviously now I would love to be involved in the European Championships. They are coming up, but we'll just have to wait and see.
"I have had a taste of international football with Ireland last year and if I can get a game in the first-team here then maybe I can get back into the squad.
"There are so many good players here, especially in midfield, and it is hard to break through.
"I'm just back from a loan period at Coventry which I enjoyed, so now I just have to keep working hard and see what happens."