Without even kicking a ball, Cardiff City enjoyed a fine start to the international break.
Not only did they remain at the top of League One as their early-season promotion rivals failed to capitalise on the Bluebirds’ inability to fulfil their fixture with Burton Albion due to international call-ups, but their very own Dylan Lawlor’s stock rose dramatically in just 90 minutes in Astana.
And Brian Barry-Murphy sent shivers down the spines of those bidding to challenge Cardiff for top spot this season when discussing his plans for the unexpected break.
The Irishman discussed the "serious gym programme" his players would undertake this week as he bids to get his squad in shape to cope with a relentless fixture schedule that will see them play nine times between September 13 and October 11.
Having collected 16 of the 18 points on offer so far in the third tier while conceding just one goal, and even that being a penalty, the fact Barry-Murphy is still targeting improvements typifies why he was brought to Cardiff City Stadium in the summer.
At long last, players appear to be aligned in operating to a certain style implemented by their head coach, something that had been nigh-on impossible over recent years given the mish-mash of players brought in to the club in addition to the managerial revolving door that owner Vincent Tan seemed hell-bent on using.
A glance at numerous other clubs throughout the EFL will show you that what Barry-Murphy is doing in south Wales is hardly revolutionary.
But it does serve to demonstrate how badly the Bluebirds had regressed in the years following relegation from the Premier League in 2019, especially across the latter stages of their six subsequent seasons in the Championship.
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So it's clear a clean slate was needed, and that's exactly what's happened.
"I think it started from the first day we came back in pre-season," says defender Joel Bagan.
"Brian made it clear that he wanted everyone to forget about last season, it was a fresh start for everyone.
"The way we're playing now is a completely different style. There's a really refreshing feeling around the place, and hopefully that can continue."
Lawlor enjoyed a magnificent international debut for Wales against Kazakhstan, earning the man-of-the-match award and high praise from Craig Bellamy.
"Dylan is a big plus from this week… we have gained a player," said the head coach.
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Crucially, Lawlor - along with other academy graduates including Ronan Kpakio and Joel Colwill - had already been shining under Barry-Murphy's tutelage prior to his Wales call.
Now free from injury, Isaak Davies is finally getting the opportunity to prove his worth - contributing three goals and an assist in his eight appearances for the Bluebirds so far this season.
Summer signing Nathan Trott has been a revelation in goal, keeping clean sheets in each of his five League One outings to date.
Those with more experience of the club such as Ryan Wintle, Yousef Salech, Cian Ashford, Bagan and Chris Willock are playing their part - but there has been one real stand-out transformation.
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Prior to this summer, Rubin Colwill had scored just seven times in 139 league appearances for Cardiff, at a rate of almost exactly one in every 20 outings.
Now given licence to wreak havoc in an advanced midfield role, the 23-year-old has already bagged three league goals and an assist in just six matches this season.
He has also added a goal and an assist across his two appearances in the EFL Cup, further highlighting his suitability to Barry-Murphy's methods.
With defender Gabriel Osho and Chelsea loanee Omari Kellyman still to come into the fold following their arrivals late on in the summer transfer window, the only way appears to be up for Cardiff City at present.
That's certainly the mindset of the head coach, at least.
