Aaron Drinan believes his next three months with Waterford could shape his destiny with Ipswich Town.
Drinan, 20, is returning to the Tractor Boys at the end of July after a six month loan back to the Blues.
He is currently on a hot streak with Waterford, with five goals in four games - as predicted by Ireland under-21 boss Stephen Kenny.
After naming the Cork City underage starlet in his first Ireland under-21 squad recently, Kenny said that it would just take one goal to 'ignite' Drinan in front of goal.
"It seems he was right in what he said," laughed the striker.
"It's been good working with him. He's very professional, his man-management is very good and he expects a lot from everyone.
"I would have liked a bit more than three minutes against Luxembourg, but it's always good to get your debut."
Drinan knows that with his progress being monitored by Ipswich boss Paul Lambert.
The club's under-23 coaches Gerard Nash and Chris Hogg watch video footage of his Premier Division performances and report back to Lambert.
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A strong finish to his time in the south-east could prime him for League One football next season.
"That's the plan," Drinan said. "When Mick (McCarthy) left I wasn't really much around the first team squad.
"Even though I was still scoring over there it was a bit of a tough time.
"All that matters is first team experience rather than scoring for the 23s, so coming back for half a season here definitely benefits me more.
"It gives something for the gaffer to think about if I'm scoring over here because obviously they've got relegated. It will be good if I keep the run going."
Drinan gets feedback from Ipswich but credits Waterford's management team for the change that has seen him hit the net in recent weeks.
Similarly to Kevin Doyle, he's a hard-working forward who likes to run in behind and also provides an option on the flanks.
But he has been told to stay in the opposition's box more - and to stay central.
"That's what they're telling me and that's where goals are scored, I suppose, and since they've said that I've been scoring," Drinan acknowledged.
"I'll try to score as many as I can before I leave."
He feels that Waterford should have more points on the board but equally is convinced that the start of season ambition to finish even higher than last year remains a realistic target.
"The quality is definitely there," Drinan said. "We've seen it in most games. It would be nice if the results showed that more."
Beating Cork at Turner's Cross at the start of the campaign was a confidence boost but Drinan warns that Waterford have to expect a vintage Rebels performance in the Munster derby.
"They've been having a bit of a tough time and you're not sure what Cork will show up," he said.
"But we'll have expect it will be the Cork that were always challengers, always tough to play against".
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