Cardiff great Graham Kavanagh helps son Calum shine at Newport County

The 19-year-old made an immediate impact with a goal on debut for the Exiles after a deadline day loan switch from Middlesbrough.

The forward had other options but was encouraged to head to Newport by his father Graham, a former Republic of Ireland international who captained the Bluebirds.

Calum, who was born in the Welsh capital, is at the start of his professional career and doesn’t have to look far for pearls of wisdom.

Calum Kavanagh celebrates after opening his account for Newport County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It's brilliant because he has taught me a lot about the game,” said the striker. “Football is not always nice and we have the harsh conversations then he will tell me when I've done well.

“It's good because he has been through these experiences and knows what type of ups and downs you go through.

“He's quite familiar around here and loved his time at Cardiff - if I could do half of what he did there then I'd be delighted.”

Kavanagh is no stranger to League Two and was happy to make a swift start at County.

His clever dummy allowed Aaron Lewis to have a one-on-one against Swindon with the midfielder then cooly squaring to give the new boy a tap-in for a perfect debut.

Calum Kavanagh (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I was on loan at Harrogate last year and for whatever reason for the first few games I didn’t get going,” he said.

“I have come here hungry, wanting to make an impact straight away. Luckily enough I've managed to do that.

“I feel that my threats are going in behind with my pace and my movement, whether that creates chances for me or others.”

Kavanagh enjoyed a perfect start to life with the Exiles yet he almost spent Saturday afternoon in the Bisley Stand at Rodney Parade.

He signed on deadline day but a delay over paperwork nearly forced manager Graham Coughlan into leaving out his final signing of the January window.

“I was a little bit panicked on Friday waiting for the international clearance to come through, that came through in the night and then there was a minor problem with the EFL,” said Kavanagh.

“Luckily it all came through on the morning of the game and I got a text saying that I was good to go.”

That allowed Kavanagh to get up and running in amber and he will try to make it a double at Barrow on Saturday afternoon.