Kavanagh puts himself through Lilleshall Hall

Graham Kavanagh is the latest footballer to put himself through the torture chamber known as Lilleshall Hall.

The Cardiff and Republic of Ireland star is making good progress after an ankle ligament problem and aims to link up with the rest of the first team squad this week. It was certainly a season to remember for the 30-year-old as he worked his way back into the Irish squad and helped cement the Bluebirds first division status. However, he picked up an injury against Canada and this hampered him for the rest of the campaign, culminating in a second operation in March. But like so many of the stars, Kavanagh has decided to put the finishing touches to his rehabilitation at Lilleshall Hall as he told Ian Clarkson exclusively for givemefootball.

WHAT EXACTLY IS YOUR INJURY?

I tore a ligament in my ankle, which meant that part of the bone had to be removed from my foot. This happened in November when Ireland played Canada but I came back just a little bit too soon as I was keen and I realised it wasn't right.  I had another operation in March and this kept me out till the end of the season.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO USE LILLESHALL HALL?

I had this week at Lilleshall to give me a decent start when we return for pre-season.  You are here from 9-5 and it is really intense, as you get one-to-one treatment and care from a physiotherapist.  When you are at your own club the physio has to look after other players, which is understandable, so you won't get the same level of one-to-one treatment.  They are experts in their field and it gives you confidence when they tell you that the little niggles you are feeling are par for the course.

WHAT SORT OF WORK HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?

There has been lots of cardiovascular work, which is very hard - especially the swimming.  I am not the best of swimmers by any stretch of the imagination, but they show no mercy and don't care!  They still work you hard and to be honest when 5pm comes you just want to put your head on your pillow and go to sleep.

DESPITE YOUR INJURY YOU MUST HAVE REGARDED LAST SEASON AS A SUCCESS?

Last season was great for me as I broke back into the Irish squad and even though I got injured against Canada I was lucky enough to be fit again for the game against Brazil.  Brian Kerr has been nothing but honest with me and hopefully I will be able to reproduce the same form again this season.

DID YOU SET OUT TO RE-ESTABLISH YOURSELF WITH IRELAND LAST SEASON?

I didn't look to do anything else other than perform well for Cardiff City and I will start this season with exactly the same objectives.

WHAT IS A REALISTIC TARGET FOR CARDIFF THIS SEASON?

I think it depends on who we bring in during the next two or three weeks. It is rumoured that Rob Earnshaw is going to be leaving and if he does go then that is 30 goals we have lost straight away. However, it will give us a big cash boost of somewhere in the region of between £3 and £4m pounds. We lost about six players towards the end of last season as well so I am sure the money we have will be invested wisely to bolster our squad. It would be nice to get some real quality in who could take us even further this season.