Cavanagh to captain rules squad

Sean Cavanagh of Tyrone celebrates his third All-Ireland win

Tyrone star Sean Cavanagh has been named captain of the Ireland International Rules squad for next month's tour of Australia.

Ireland manager Sean Boylan has named Cork's Graham Canty as vice-captain.

Moy club man Cavanagh will be lining out in his fourth International Series, having played in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

"Sean Cavanagh has been in the form of his life this year. He was man of the match in the All-Ireland final," said the Ireland manager.

"Sean was one of the key players in Tyrone's march to glory this year.

"He is an excellent communicator and leads by example on the field.

"He is also ideally suited to the International game and it is a tremendous boost to have him on board for the trip Down Under."

Cavanagh said that his selection as squad skipper made his "immensely proud".

"If we can go over to Australia and do the business, it would be the perfect end to the perfect year for me," said the Tyrone star.

Being captain is beyond my wildest dreams Sean Cavanagh

Asked if his selection surprised him, the 25-year-old said:"It certainly did. Sean Boylan mentioned it at training on Saturday morning.

"Most of the guys have been trianing for six or seven weeks and from my point of view, I was going to be happy enough just to be part of the panel.

"Being captain is beyond my wildest dreams."

Bantry Blues club-man Canty toured Australia in 2005, 2003 and 2001 and has already played on 10 occasions for his country.

Boylan described the Cork player as a "natural leader".

"You only have to think of the way he came up the field to score the winning goal for Cork in the closing moments of their Munster Championship game with Limerick this year when they looked down and out.

"He has starred for Ireland in the past and is one of the best defenders in Gaelic football at the moment."

The full Ireland squad will be announced on Tuesday 7 October.