The 21-year-old has yet to be capped at Under 21 or senior level, after earning recognition for the Under 17s, 18s and 19s.

The Dubliner is earning rave reviews for the Clarets, but appears to be paying the price for walking out on Don Givens' Under 21 squad last November before their UEFA European Championship qualifier with Bulgaria.

McCann had been an unused substitute in the previous game against Montenegro, but was hugely disappointed not be handed his first cap, and Givens subsequently said: "Will I pick him again? Would you?", before later apologising, adding: "I take it back, its nice to see Chris developing into a player of true class."

While McCann would love to represent his country, he is, on the outside, not overly concerned at present, concentrating solely on maintaining his outstanding club form: "I don't really think about internationals. First and foremost I want to do well here and anything else that follows from that is an added bonus.

"As long as I'm happy playing here nothing else really matters to me.
"I think a B squad's been announced that I'm not in, but I'm not going to get too down about it.

"As long as I keep playing well here, things will happen, and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

"But as long as I'm playing well here, I'm happy doing what I'm doing."
However, as Coyle rightly states: "The Republic of Ireland must have an unbelievable abundance of quality for Chris McCann not to be involved at any level.

"He's getting better and showing that maturity, and I believe he's capable of playing in the Premier League at this moment in time.

"I believe he's capable of being involved with the Republic of Ireland, and as his manager, we would run the risk of him being injured, being away.

"I know he's desperate to represent his country, and all I would say to him is he has to continue doing well for the club, and whatever comes on the back of that, then he'll earn his just rewards."

Legendary former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni is the new man at the helm of the senior squad, while Givens remains in charge of the Under 21s, naming an 18-man squad on Tuesday for a friendly in Lithuania a week on Tuesday, which includes players from Galway United, Sligo Rovers, UCD, Stockport County, Accrington Stanley and Hamilton Academical – but there remains no place in either panel for McCann, which, to be frank, is something of a mystery in the form he is in.

McCann seems to receive accolades on a weekly basis from a manager who has total belief in his abilities, and is bringing out the best in him.

Coyle has, at various points, described him as the photo-fit modern midfielder, adding: "I really believe that kid is good enough to play in the Premier League now."

McCann doesn't take much notice of the platitudes, however: "I tend not to pay much attention to it.

"I prefer to just keep my head down and keep myself to myself.

"It's nice to get a bit of praise from the manager every now and again; it gives you a bit of confidence, but more often than not I tend to keep myself to myself and not worry about that.

"I think I know myself when I'm playing well and when I'm not playing well; I don't need people to tell me when I am or I'm not.

"I know myself when I'm playing well, it's just down to me to keep my place and keep working hard and keep doing well for the team."