Graham Kavanagh hopes Cardiff’s fairytale FA Cup run will put him in the frame for a call-up for the Republic of Ireland’s February 13 date against Russia at Lansdowne Road.

The Bluebirds’ skipper has his sights set on making more progress in England’s premier knockout competition when big spending Cardiff visit Second Division promotion rivals Tranmere at Prenton Park on Sunday.

But he is also eyeing a place in Mick McCarthy’s World Cup plans.Kavanagh, 28, was one of the stars of Cardiff’s shock third round win against Premiership giants Leeds.

He capped a stunning five-star show with a scorcher of a free-kick that got Alan Cork’s men back on level terms on their way to a sensational 2-1 win after Mark Viduka looked to have Leeds on course for victory.

More importantly from Kavanagh’s point of view, the match was seen by millions of armchair fans live on Sky, including assistant Ireland manager Ian Evans.

Evans tuned in to check on the form of Leeds’ pair Ian Harte and Gary Kelly, but was more impressed with Kavanagh.

Kavanagh, who has been capped three times by his country, knows another big performance for the Bluebirds could do his chances of a call-up for the World Cup warm-up against Russia no harm at all.

Ireland also play Denmark, the United States and Nigeria before they head to the Far East this summer.

Kavanagh, meanwhile, geared up for the trip to Merseyside on Sunday by helping the Welshmen to a 2-0 victory against his former club Stoke in a Second Division promotion battle at Ninian Park on Tuesday.

Kavanagh, Cardiff’s first £1-million signing, said:

"It’s unlikely that Mick would want to take a Second Division player to the World Cup, but I'd certainly like to feel I might be considered for one of the friendlies lined-up before the summer. I would love to play for my country again, especially in World Cup year. I won’t be holding my breath waiting for the call to come from Mick, but you never know. I was a Second Division player when I was capped before, so I might get another chance. To be honest, I’m not expecting the phone to ring, but I wouldn’t rule it out altogether. The cup win against Leeds has raised the club’s profile and put me under the spotlight again. But the Leeds match has gone and you are only as good as your last game. We’ve got Tranmere next and it would be a shame to go out to them after beating Leeds. I believe Mick has watched me this season, but my priority is promotion with Cardiff City.”

Bluebirds boss Alan Cork hopes McCarthy won’t be put off considering Kavanagh for selection by the fact that Cardiff only lie in 10th spot in Division Two.

"It's a pity we're not top, because that would certainly help his cause,” Cork confessed. “But he must have a chance. He can play at that level. That’s for sure.”

The last of Kavanagh’s three caps came against Northern Ireland in the peace international following the Omagh bombing in 1999, but he has never started a match for his country.

He hasn’t got long to wait to find out if he will be making the trip to his native Dublin again with McCarthy due to name his squad in the next couple of weeks.