Luke Woods will face a pair of multi-million pound Premiership footballers when his Malta Under-21's side face France in a European Championship qualifier tomorrow (Friday).
The Wealdstone goalkeeper is set to earn his sixth and final cap at that level for his country having recently turned 22.  And he is expected to face a Les Bleuets side packed with promising talent including established Premiership stars Charles N'Zogbia and Younes Kaboul.
Winger N'Zogbia is a bit hit with the Toon Army at managerless Newcastle United while defender Kaboul, who cost Tottenham Hotspur £7m from Auxerre before moving to Portsmouth last month, is a mainstay of Rene Girard's side.
Regardless of how he performs Woods, who qualifies for Malta through parentage, faces a stiff task to regain the number one shirt at Ruislip Manor due to the inspirational form of new shot stopper, Sean Thomas.
That will be his top priority if he is to force his way into the Maltese first team and challenge Justin Haber, third choice goalkeeper at Sheffield United, for a starting place.
Woods's cousin, Andre Schembri is a first team player along with Coventry City hot shot Michael Mifsud and the goalkeeper will be doing everything he can to take the next step up the international ladder.
"It's great news for him and the club," said Stones boss Gordon Bartlett. "I expected him to be number one at the start of the season but I feel Sean has got his nose just in front as he has been exceptional for us.
"Luke is a very, very good goalkeeper and that is what we want - competition for places throughout the squad. Luke is a lovely lad, has excellent character and a desire to succeed.
"He will be out there trying to do his best for his country and will come back here and give everything he has got. I've got the utmost respect for him."