Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel says being a late bloomer has helped his career motivation.
The Dane made his international debut at 26, though is now regarded among the best keepers in the world.
Now boasting 50 caps, he said, "It was a big motivating factor that I was not involved in the national team earlier in my career, but I am grateful to be part of it now and it makes me proud to play 50 games for my country - now I just hope for 50 more.
"If I don't last five years, then I will be disappointed.
"You can't plan in football. Anything can happen. You can get hurt tomorrow and not have the opportunity to come back, so you have to be grateful every time you are teamed up with the national team.
"Every match I get in the Parken in front of such an audience, I am incredibly grateful for, because it happens so rarely. We must be proud of all the matches we can fight for the national team."
