As regular skipper Kenny Cunningham quipped following last night’s 1-0 friendly success over Croatia, Kilbane can boast a 100% record with the armband, but the 27-year-old wants so much more.

Kilbane played his part in ensuring Ireland ended 2004 on the right note in front of another expectant Lansdowne Road crowd, with manager Brian Kerr’s side defeated just once this year in 13 matches.

They head into next year as leaders of their World Cup qualifying group following the opening four matches, laying firm foundations on the road to Germany and the finals.

But Kilbane would also love to help Everton return to Europe at the end of this season, which would be a remarkable feat after the troubled times of the summer during which there was boardroom infighting, and in particular the Wayne Rooney saga.

Despite the striker’s defection to Manchester United, Everton have not lost out on the pitch, with manager David Moyes’ side riding high in third in the Premiership.

“There was so much made of that in the summer, which wasn’t good to be around, and I think it overshadowed the quality we have at the club,” reflected Kilbane.

“When Wayne left we knew we had to stick together and fight each other’s corner, which is what we have done.

“Because there was so much against us, it made us work that much harder for one another and since returning from the pre-season tour to America, we have gone from strength to strength and come together collectively.

“We’ve had a great start to the season. Every week we are going into games and people are saying ‘is the bubble going to burst?’

“We just don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. We’ve 25 games to go, big times are ahead of us and we just need to maintain what we have done. We believe in ourselves to stay strong and get the right results.

“Europe has to be the aim. We can’t kid ourselves and say it’s not. We believe we have a good enough team and squad to get into Europe.

“We have to believe that because I certainly want to play there. Everybody wants it and I’m sure if we continue the way we are going then we will be all right.”

Kilbane sees no reason why his dreams for both club and country cannot be realised as Ireland also face a momentous year ahead.

“It’s been a good year for us this year, losing just one game to Nigeria, and other than that we have played really well in every match,” added Kilbane.

“We’ve looked strong, confident, with everybody wanting the ball, and we are proving what a good team we are. We’ve a built a platform for ourselves going into next year, which is a big one and we have to maintain our start to the qualifying campaign.

“At least with this win over Croatia, there were a few players who have gained some vital experience and who put in good performances.

“That was important because over the next couple of years we’re going to have some big games coming up and we have to get the young players playing at this level.”

Naturally, Kilbane was thrilled to captain his country, proving to Kerr he has more than one leader in a squad bristling with experience and youth.

“It was a big honour for me and I will cherish the night for the rest of my career,” exclaimed Kilbane.

“It means that much to me. It’s one for my family. When I was told I was going to be captain, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

“I just then had to go out and play my own game. I couldn’t get too wrapped up in it all, but it was a wonderful achievement for me.”