Centre star Cory Allen admits he is 'over the moon' with his latest Wales call-up - but insists his only focus is on a tough assignment out in Italy this weekend in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
Allen was one of four Blues players this week named in the Welsh squad for the autumn internationals with Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa.
But before he can look forward to stepping out at the Millennium Stadium, he is determined to secure another big European win for Blues.
Mark Hammett’s men travel to Italy to tackle Femi-CZ Rugby Rovigo on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm local time) fresh from an impressive bonus point win over Grenoble.
But Allen is taking nothing for granted against the Italian side and expects a stern challenge.
“I think it will be a pretty tough game,” he said. “It’s their first home game in Europe this year and, although last weekend it didn’t go too well for them against London Irish, it’s a home game and they will want to put up a really good performance for their crowd.
“I’ve never played against Rovigo and not really come across them, so it will be a new challenge.
“We played well against Grenoble last week, we are looking to follow up that performance and get another win, score some tries and fingers crossed get the bonus point.
“Although we don’t know then too well the preparation is the same as any game. You do your analysis on them and we have done that all week.
“It’s about focusing on you more than focusing on them. If you do that and get everything you have trained on the training field right then I am sure we will be alright.
“Every team is a threat, it doesn’t matter who they are. Underdog teams often beat teams they don’t expect to. You can never just go out there and expect to win. We need to perform.”
Looking ahead to his Wales chance this autumn, Allen admitted he was shocked to get the nod but determined to take the chance.
“I’m over the moon. I can’t wait to get in there now and start training,” he said. “Last year was a lot of fun and I learnt a lot. To play that first game was a dream come true.
“I’m only 21 it’s still just a big learning step for me and if I do get an opportunity take it with both hands and show what I can do.”