Leeds midfielder Stephen McPhail has taken a swipe at former boss David O'Leary as he looks to make up for lost time with both club and country.
Following two years of misery, McPhail's career has been resurrected following the arrival of Terry Venables in the summer, and he is now looking forward to a positive future at Elland Road and with the Republic of Ireland.
Last season McPhail found himself out in the cold under O'Leary, despite returning from a longstanding Achilles injury, as the Irishman claimed there was no room in the Premiership for a passing midfielder like the 22-year-old.
When McPhail was loaned out to Millwall towards the end of the campaign he thought his days at Leeds were numbered, and while United team-mates Ian Harte, Gary Kelly and Robbie Keane - now with Tottenham - played in the World Cup, he contemplated leaving.
O'Leary's sacking three months ago prevented that, and with Venables now adopting a different tactical and playing approach, McPhail finds himself back in the first team, with his start at Aston Villa on Sunday his first in the league for almost two years.
McPhail is also hoping his re-emergence at Leeds will see him given a role with the Republic when they face Switzerland in a Euro 2004 qualifier at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday as he did not even make the bench for last month's 4-2 defeat in Russia.
"It's been a huge boost for me with Terry coming in," stated McPhail. "When I went to Millwall on loan at the end of last season I knew then I wanted to get away in the summer, but the change has done me the world of good.
"I needed it, a lot of the lads did. We all needed a lift. In the camp we're a lot happier and a lot stronger now. We feel like we can do a lot more this year.
"It's a lot different under Terry compared to David in terms of tactics and the way we set ourselves up on the pitch.
"It's a system which is suiting me. We're getting the ball down and passing it and giving the forward lads the ball as early as possible.
"If he (O'Leary) said there's no room for passing then you might as well not play the game. It's all about passing the ball to make angles and create chances.
"Under Terry it's a different way of playing and I'm looking forward to it. It's also nice to hear some of the things Terry has said about me.
"It's frustrating when you have two years under your belt and no-one says anything, you've been pushed to one side and not looked after.
"But Terry has put his arm around a lot of players here. Everyone of us has enjoyed that and I'm getting a few games now which is great.
"Getting back in the international team is a great bonus. So I'm looking forward to a happier me. I have a lot of time to make up with both club and country."
Following the Republic's success in reaching the World Cup, and in the wake of the disappointing start to the European campaign, McPhail concedes the pressure is on.
"We were underdogs going into the World Cup qualifying matches, but now we are favourites, so we have to make sure we get to those championships," added McPhail.