The Republic of Ireland midfielder came off the bench to fire his side to a narrow Euro 2012 qualifier victory over Armenia in Yerevan on Friday night with his first senior goal for his country on his fourth appearance.
It has taken the 27-year-old Blues midfielder, who is widely recognised as one of the richest talents to emerge from the League of Ireland in recent years, some time to win recognition on the big stage.
Indeed, a year ago, Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni, whose continuing struggles to pronounce Fahey's name correctly remain a source of amusement within the camp, knew him only by reputation.
But the 71-year-old had enough faith in him to introduce him for the final 22 minutes of a game which was in danger of going against the Republic in Armenia, and his trust was rewarded in style.
That came as a confidence boost for a man who has not had as much football as he would have liked for his club so far this season, and he is hoping his exploits on the international front can fuel his attempts to take the next step in the Barclays Premier League.
Fahey said: "It gives me great confidence. It's good to think that I am in his [Trapattoni's] thoughts anyway.
"There are other players he could have put on in front of me, so when I got the shout, I was delighted to get on.
"With the internationals, there are more games, you are involved more and your name is out there more, more people notice you.
"But this season, I will be looking to improve and try to get the best out of myself because I don't think I have shown the best of me yet."
Source: PA
Source: PA