OWEN Garvan today revealed his agony at being ignored for international honours.His Irish eyes would be smiling if he found a way back on to the Republic of Ireland scene after an absence of three years.

By Elvin King

OWEN Garvan today revealed his agony at being ignored for international honours.

His Irish eyes would be smiling if he found a way back on to the Republic of Ireland scene after an absence of three years.

The Dublin-born midfielder has not represented his country since Under-16 level, and is desperate to regain recognition.

An ever-present in the Ipswich Town first team -apart from injury and illness - since making his Blues debut on the opening day of last season, Garvan's omission from a succession of Under-19 and Under-21 squads have been a major surprise.

And if his dream does come true it will give the 19-year-old a boost as he looks help Ipswich Town go on to bigger and better things.

Garvan is certain to fill one of the Blues key midfield roles in tomorrow's final Coca-Cola Championship game of the season against mid-table Cardiff City at Portman Road (kick-off 1.0pm).

He said today: “My aims next season are to do well for Ipswich and to play international football again.

“I have been left shaking my head at not being called up, and it has been very frustrating.

“I enjoy playing first team football, but missing out on the international scene is something I am desperate to rectify.”

Garvan is going back to Ireland for a close season break next week, but is already looking forward to pre-season - that starts on Tuesday June 12.

“The manager has put a marker down by bringing us back early and although one or two would like a longer break I will be raring to go,” said Garvan.

“But first of all we want to go out with a big performance against Cardiff tomorrow.”

Garvan is looking to contribute more for Ipswich next season as the Blues look to make a bigger impression in the Championship.

“I didn't feel very sharp when I first came back into the side after illness,” added Garvan.

“And I am the first to admit my performances weren't the best.

“Since then I've improved and my best performances have been in the last few weeks, but overall I still don't feel I have contributed enough.

“In that respect it's been a tough season both for me and the club.

“I'm still learning, and I've been given a lot of advice which I try to take on board.

“I'm ending the campaign on a reasonable note but I know that I need to be more consistent.”

Garvan wants to bring success not just for himself, but also for Town supporters. He met up with 'Fan of the Year' Andrew Scott at the end of season dinner at Trinity Park last Tuesday and was impressed by the loyalty and commitment shown by fans.

“All they want is to see players giving 100%,” said Garvan. “It hurts me that we have not given our followers anything to shout about, and now we must set about putting Ipswich Town back on the map.”

'Owen Garvan is my player of the season' - see Town coach Steve Foley's review of 2006/07 in tonight's Green'Un.