Ipswich Town goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski has described making his first appearance for Poland as achieving his "biggest dream".
On Friday night, Bialkowski was introduced as a second-half substitute in the friendly international with Nigeria, although the stopper could not prevent the Super Eagles from claiming a 1-0 win.
Bialkowski was delighted to finally get his chance to represent his country, although he played down his expectations of earning a place in the squad for this summer's World Cup.
The 30-year-old told reporters in Poland: "This is the fulfillment of the biggest dream. Now you have to do everything to stay in this team for as long as possible. That's how I approach it.
"The game with an eagle on the chest is the greatest distinction for each player. For three years I have been regularly playing in my club every week. I also dreamed about representation before, but I did not have the right to get a call-up. First, I was sitting on a bench in Southampton, then there was Notts County and only the third league. For several seasons I've been fighting hard to get a calling.
"When I received a call-up, everyone was asking about me going to the World Cup but I have to be realistic, it's only been my first cap. Of course it would be huge to go to Russia. Everyone in the club congratulated my but I keep my head cool. Every footballer wants to play at the highest possible level."
Bialkowski has made 140 appearances for Ipswich since joining the club in 2014.
Darren Plant
