Bolton Wanderers promising midfielder Joey O'Brien thought he might get a few games this season when Sam Allardyce turned down an approach from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, but he never expected the season he's having now, having played 6 games in 18 days.
"When I heard that, I was delighted because I thought the gaffer would have me in his plans," said the 19-year-old Dubliner.
"Then I got a few sub appearances, but, playing these six games on the run has been great for me. Obviously I'm delighted.
"In fairness, the other lads have been playing all season, whereas I've just come in. They've played a lot more games than I have and, of course, I'm a lot younger."
O'Brien has shifted from centre midfield to full back without much fuss in the last couple of matches, after only having played a few times in that position for the reserves.
"I played a couple of games at full-back, when they were short," he said, "but I've always been a midfielder. I'm absolutely loving it there, I wouldn't have had many games in midfield, especially with us having so many top midfield players. And everybody's helping me - Radhi and Tal at the back and all the other lads, like Kevin Nolan and Speedo. They are making it easier for me .
"I've obviously got a lot to learn as a full-back but, hopefully I can keep doing well.
"I just want to make it difficult for the gaffer to drop me. My aim is to get as many appearances as I can, in the Premiership and in the cups."
"And the Irish press is loving it because they've got a young player coming through the ranks at a level you wouldn't normally expect of young Irish players. I've got a lot of friends and family over there and they are all buzzing about it."