Kavanagh Out for the Season

Out 'Till August
By Chris O'Brien
March 16 2004

Cardiff City skipper Graham Kavanagh will be out of action for the Bluebirds until the start of next season. The midfielder underwent surgery to an ankle injury earlier in the week, and will not return until August.

Cardiff City skipper Graham Kavanagh will be out of action until the start of next season following surgery on an ankle injury.

The Irish international was first injured representing his country in a friendly match against Canada. A nasty tackle from Queens Park Rangers' Marc Bircham saw Kavanagh substituted after only 10 minutes off the game and he subsequently missed 6 weeks of action.

The 30-year-old, capped 4 times for the Irish, has struggled since returning for the Bluebirds and has been pulled off early on occasions by City boss Lennie Lawrence with the ankle injury showing signs of recurring. A scan has shown there was a build-up of scar tissue surrounding the ankle, and the time of surgery and recovery time means that the midfielder won't pull the blue jersey on again until August.

"I had a scan on my ankle and it showed there was a build-up of scar tissue," said Kavanagh.

"The problem was getting aggravated because I was playing. The scar tissue was getting thicker and thicker.

"Now I'm focusing on being 100 per cent right for next season. The surgeon said if I have the operation done now, then I might have a chance to play in the last couple matches of the season but there's no point me rushing back."

Kavanagh's injury will open the door to new loan signing Lee Bullock, with the York City midfielder desperate to make an impact at Ninian Park due to a possible permanent move to us at the end of the season. Gareth Whalley covered for Kavanagh on the weekend against Norwich City, and will also be hoping to prove a point to Bluebirds manager Lennie Lawrence, especially with the former Bradford City midfielders contract expiring at the end of May.