Kavanagh relishing international opportunity

Graham Kavanagh believes he has come of age as a player and is up to the task at international level, following news that he has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of next week's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Switzerland.

Speaking on Newstalk 106FM's Off the BallKavanagh described his inclusion in the squad as "fantastic" but admits that he thought his chance may have gone.

"It's been a couple of years since I've been in it and to finally get the call today to say that I was in it was fantastic," said the Cardiff City captain.

"You always think yourself that there may be a possibility of it but I am now 29 and I've heard alot of that before and it hasn't actually come true."

Kavanagh cites Cardiff's promotion and the improvements it has brought about in his game as the primary reason for the call-up.

"If you are playing in the Second Division you are never going to get the opportunity and this year after finally getting promoted I thought to myself, maybe I'll get the opportunity."

"I have matured an awful lot as a footballer in the last two years," he added. "I believe in my own ability, given the opportunity I think I can certainly do a job at international level."

"If the step up was to come this year and we were to get promoted to the Premier league, I wouldn't feel out of my depth."

Kavanagh has played three times for the Republic of Ireland and scored once after coming off the bench against Sweden at Lansdowne Road.