Leon Pohls is desperate to sample the big game atmosphere on a more regular basis after answering Shamrock Rovers’ SOS call.
But the German goalkeeper knows he will have to continue biding his time despite a rare outing this week.
Pohls joined the Hoops in 2018 but has only made three league appearances for Stephen Bradley’s two-time champions.
Two of those games came at the tail end of last season against Waterford and Bohemians and he was then catapulted into the team for Monday’s draw in Dundalk.
Regular No 1 Alan Mannus was struck down by a bug that also hit Jack Byrne and Lee Grace before last Friday’s win over Bohemians.
The former Northern Ireland international was ruled out on Monday morning and Pohls was elevated to the starring XI.
And despite a shaky moment early on when he spilled a cross that Robbie Benson went close from, he proved a Hooped hero with a stunning save to deny Pat Hoban.
Pohls was beaming after a clean sheet and said: “I'm ready for every game and then, when you realise it’s happening, it’s a lovely feeling,
“Being a second keeper, it’s really difficult. But I’m thankful that I’ve Al in front of me because I learn so much from him when it comes to attitude, mental toughness and confidence.
“You can never lose your hunger and that feeling on Monday of getting that call, all the manifestation is coming true now.
“I reckon Al will be back for the Sligo game but this is part of being a second choice goalkeeper.”
Mannus, who turns 40 in May, is in his final season with the Hoops and Pohls doesn’t know whether he will become first-choice or if Bradley will sign someone new.
But Hamburg native Pohls, 24, insists that motivation won’t be a problem even though a swift return to the bench is looming.
“Every time you go to training, you've got to think and tell yourself you’re playing the next game and train as you play,” he said.
“I played at the end of last season and it’s about having it in the back of your mind that anything can happen. Not losing the hunger is the biggest part.”
Hoops boss Bradley hailed Pohl’s role in Monday’s hard-fought draw against the Lilywhites.
Bradley said: “It's not easy coming in on a difficult pitch and you know they’re going to put balls into the box but I thought his feet were brilliant.
“He's had to be patient and build his frame up the last two years while Alan has been playing, but he's looking good physically and games like that will only help him.
“We like him but you don't really know until you're put in but Monday was pleasing. We had an open and honest chat from the start that Alan is No 1.
“But he’s there to push and be ready to play when the time comes because we know Alan is coming towards the end. It's great to know that you have Leon ready to go.”
Bradley added: “He has worked really hard behind the scenes, in the gym and physically, mentally to get to this level and now we just need games for him.
“It was good to see tonight. After that you're thinking 'this is a test for you' but he reacted really well.”
