When Eoin Shiels made his full National League debut for Fermanagh in their memorable comeback win over Roscommon, he was given the formidable task of putting the shackles on one of the Rossies most dangerous forwards, Cathal Cregg.
There was no easing into life in Division Two for the Belcoo defender, Ryan McMenamin had a job for him and he was determined to do it. 
And so he did to good effect. Cregg was a peripheral figure while he was on the pitch and although he did get his hands on the ball out the field whenever he came into Fermanagh’s half Shiels was by his side, following his every move.
That confidence that Ricey has put in him has given him the belief to push on and continue to get his name on the starting 15, albeit with number 18 on his back, and show that he can operate at the highest level.
“It’s completely different to any sort of set up I’ve been involved in. It’s a step up and it’s great to get an opportunity to be involved in it,” said the 20 year old.
“To get my first few minutes against Kildare was good and when you get a taste for it you realise you can step up to the level.
“Then the Roscommon game and to get my first start. I was detailed with a job to do and you relish the opportunity to go up against boys that have been playing at that level for years and it gives you a drive. 
“It was a great buzz to get the first win with the team then and the way we did it with that comeback.”
While defensively he was solid, Shiels knows that there are aspects to his game that he needs to develop to continue to cut it at inter-county level and he has been working hard to do that. 
“I suppose against Roscommon my main priority I was detailed to mark one of their key players and I was happy with how it went. I kept the man quiet but obviously Ricey and the lads they want the other dimension of bombing forward as well in my game and that’s something I’m still trying to work on a bit more as well.
“It’s something we have been discussing a lot during training when I can be most effective going forward and knowing when to get on the ball. Everyone needs to have that in their game and it’s about trying to put a man on the back foot.”
While the Roscommon game was one to the savour, the Westmeath game was as on the other end of the scale as they could not replicate the levels of intensity shown in Brewster Park, but Shiels and his teammates have the opportunity to bounce back when they take on Cavan in Brewster Park on Saturday night.
Against Roscommon, Fermanagh were able to claw back a six point half-time deficit, however in Mullingar a week later, Westmeath kept Fermanagh at arm’s length and despite having a strong breeze at their backs in the second half they could not close the gap.
And the Belcoo man is hoping for another crack in what is sure to be a tough test against a resurgent Cavan side in what is a crunch league game. 
And if he does get the nod, he is determined to continue to repay the faith put in him.
“He’s put a lot of trust in me and he wants to give me the experiences. He knows I’m going to make the odd mistake he just wants to get me the experience.
“They have backed me from the get go and you feel like you belong in that environment.
“You don’t feel that because it was your first year you wouldn’t get the chance but they made it very clear from the start nobody is privileged if you have been here 10 years or it is your first year that nobody’s above anybody else and if you are going well at training and you put the work in you’ll get your opportunity and I’ve found that I have.”