Kavanagh delighted with Ireland U21 call-up

When Noel King named his Republic of Ireland under 21 squad in Eamon Deacy Park earlier today, there was good news for League of Ireland fans as three of the domestic game’s most talented young players received call ups for upcoming games with England C team and England under 21s.

Having previously been called up for the domestic based under 21 squad, Cork City’s John Kavanagh was rewarded for his recent performances with a call up to the full Republic of Ireland under 21 squad alongside St Patrick’s Athletic’s defensive duo of Sean Hoare and Lee Desmond.

Earlier today, Extratime.ie caught up with the young right back from Cork who admitted to being caught off-guard with the news.

“It came as surprise to me to be honest, but I’m just really delighted with it and it’ll be a massive experience now and hopefully my game will improve because of it.”

Not only is Kavanagh one of three League of Ireland players in Noel King’s squad, but he is also one of three former Ringmahon Rangers to receive the call. Alan Browne in particular has caught the eye; most recently featuring in Preston North End’s playoff victory in Wembley yesterday.

“Brownie won the playoff yesterday, so what a couple of days for him! Rico [Eric Grimes] then is over playing at Leeds so will be good to see them and meet up with a few familiar faces.”

The trio played alongside each other at schoolboy level for Ringmahon before Browne and Kavanagh enjoyed success as part of Cork City’s under 19s while Eric Grimes made the move to Elland Road.

The young right back has established himself as a regular in a Cork City backline that has kept nine clean sheets in 15 games, picking up the club’s player of the month award for April along the way. Not one to get carried away though, the former Cork City under 19 captain is just concentrating on keeping his place in the starting eleven.

“I suppose I’m happy enough [with my form], but for me I just want to keep on playing and stay in the team. As I said to you before, nobody is taking their place for granted, the competition for places in the squad is very high and everyone has to be on their toes.

“Overall I am happy with how I am doing, but I’m just hoping to keep it up.”

It would be easy to get carried away at the prospect of coming up against Gareth Southgate’s star-laden England under 21 squad, or the England C team, but Kavanagh is fully focused on the task at hand; namely an FAI Cup tie with Wexford Youths on Friday night.

“It will be a difficult task up in Wexford, so we’ll have to be ready for it and on our toes and hopefully we’ll get the win.

“In the League of Ireland you can’t take anyone for granted, whether it is in the Premier Division or in the First Division. They’re flying at the moment so they’ll be full of confidence and there’s no way we’ll take them for granted.”