Rubin Colwill sent out an early message to new Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut - and Wales boss Rob Page - with two goals as the Welsh under-21s earned a draw in Denmark.
The hugely gifted Bluebirds playmaker rounded off an injury-hit campaign with the double from the penalty spot against the group favourites, winning one of the spot-kicks himself.
It sets up Colwill nicely for when he returns to Cardiff pre-season training under Bulut as he looks to really kick on in 2023-24.
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Under fire Wales boss Rob Page will also take note, having opted to drop Colwill from his senior squad despite the youngster impressing in the red shirt. Wales hoped a move down to the under-21s would help restore Colwill's confidence and that is clearly happening.
An elevation back into Page's squad for the last four Euro 2024 qualifiers this autumn appears inevitable, with the manager needing to find a way of re-energising a team which has only won once in the last 12 matches.
Colwill has previously stated he wants to rack up the games for Cardiff next season under Bulut as he aims for a play-off push and "exciting times" for the Bluebirds.
"I just want to stay fit and play as much as I can," said Colwill ahead of the under-21s match. "Cardiff, we've definitely got the potential to be pushing for the play-offs. That's where we need to aim, really. That would be my goal for the team and for myself."
Of Bulut he said: "He's looking like a good appointment. Hopefully he can bring that spark we didn't have last season and that extra grit and determination we need."
Wales have never qualified for the Euro under-21 finals but hope to do so this time. Denmark, who had two players red-carded, remain the group leaders, with Lithuania, Czech Republic and Iceland also in the mix.
