David Addy saw his colleagues - Andre Ayew, Samuel Inkoom, Jonathan Mensah, Opoku Agyemang and Dominic Adiyiah - from the national U-20 team make a rapid rise to stardom with the Black Stars after their glorious 2009 treble winning feat with Ghana's junior side.
A year after, the left-back seems to be rising to almost similar heights by drawing the attention of the national team handlers as he secures call-ups into the senior team though he had two stints back in 2008.
For Addy, 21, there are many reasons why he relishes every opportunity to play for the national team.
"To be considered for a call up into the national team is a big bonus. There are lots of players around but only a select few can get into the team at any time.
"Those who make it are certainly among the best around at the time and they consistently show that with their clubs and when they play for the nation," Addy told www.ghanafa.org on Monday in an exclusive interview.
"Playing for the national team should be the most important period in a player's career. Some do get the chance but others do not. For me, it feels good to get the chance to play for the Black Stars."
Despite some difficulties that Addy endured during Ghana's recent friendly with South Africa, he believes his subsequent performance in the game with Togo, was the turning a point which coincided with the debut of new coach, Goran Stevanovic.
He has been once again called up by Ghana coach as he was named in the team for the up-coming double against Congo away in the qualifying for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations on March 27 and England in an international friendly two days later at the Wembley.
"Hopefully I can kick on from that game (Togo friendly). Confidence is very important. I have been playing consistently and well for my club in Portugal and that has improved me. I feel very confident and when you are in that sort of form, you can then look at the larger picture.
"The thought of playing for the Black Stars inspires me to always give off my best. I just concentrate on the role I’ve got to play and try to do my best," he said.
However, Addy, has other ideas as he hopes to compete and put his seal on the left-back slot for Ghana, having now established himself at Académica de Coimbra on a season-long loan from Portuguese giants, FC Porto.
Addy seems confident. He added: "I know I am in for a big challenge but I intend to compete and push a regular spot in the team.
"It's a challenge I accept would be difficult but the game is always about challenges and I would have to take it on or miss out of the team. I need to be positive and smart."