Brennan Johnson admits says he always feels like he has a point to prove as he delivered a sumptuous display to help Wales thrash North Macedonia 7-1 in Cardiff.
The Tottenham Hotspur forward bagged his seventh international goal in sublime style as Craig Bellamy's side earned a home play-off semi-final ahead of next year's World Cup by finishing second in their qualifying group.
Behind Gareth Bale, Johnson, 24, is Wales' most expensive ever player, having joined Spurs for a hefty fee of £50m from Nottingham Forest in 2023.
On the back of his stellar performance in the red of Wales at Cardiff City Stadium, the winger admitted he puts plenty of pressure on himself to deliver at the highest level.
"I think I always feel like I have a point to prove. I'm someone who can be quite tough on himself," he told BBC Match of the Day Wales.
"I just always want to go out and perform my best."
Prior to his goal, Johnson caused havoc on the left wing before crossing to David Brooks,who scored Wales' second goal against Blagoja Milevski's side.
Former Wales midfielder Joe Ledley felt Johnson "had a real spring in his step", with Ledley's ex-international team-mate Ashley Williams heaping praise on the 42-cap forward.
"From the off Brennan Johnson looked a lot more positive than he has done recently. You felt like he needed a big moment," said Williams.
"People were questioning whether he should start and I think he answered that today.
"He can't help the price-tag that's on his head. That's irrelevant.
"You could see in the celebration that the goal meant a lot to him."
Speaking to BBC Radio Cymru, ex-Wales striker Iwan Roberts commented: "I think that's the best we've seen from Brennan Johnson in the red shirt of Wales. He scored a great goal."