The 26-year-old Hull City striker, completed a remarkable rise to prominence when, barely a month after making his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland as a late substitute in the qualifying victory over Cyprus, he was handed a first start against Poland.

Folan's international progress has been spectacular – he has started only two games for his club to date this season, and caught Trapattoni's eye in the recent Ireland B fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The Italian, who has widened his search for squad members in the last few months, spoke warmly of the striker's attributes in the run-up to the Poland game, and sees him as a genuine alternative to captain Robbie Keane and first-choice partner Kevin Doyle.

That has given the Leeds-born player a huge boost, despite the fact his first full cap ended in a 3-2 home defeat by the Poles.

Asked what it would mean to him if he could help his country to make it to South Africa, he said: "That would obviously be another dream and another step to aim to get to.

"As long as I keep plugging away and hanging in there, it would be great to be part of that, and that will be the aim. The manager has given me that bit of confidence and belief in myself.

"Especially when you are not playing that regularly, it is important you keep your spirits high, and the likes of Giovanni Trapattoni wanting to bring you into the squad, that only gives you an extra lift, and I am grateful for that."

But having had a taste of international football, he is desperate for more.

Folan said: "There are times when you are just relaxing and thinking how far you have come.

"But there is always room for improvement and you want to go further. I will keep my feet on the ground and keep plugging away trying to get to a higher place.

"Every opportunity is great to be involved in, and if I can keep myself fit and keep myself in the manager's eye, it would be great to come across for future games."