Football
Kevin Kilbane is bidding for promotion with the Sky Blues

Buy photos » Kevin Kilbane joined the Sky Blues last week on a free transfer. (S)

PROMOTION is the word hot on Kevin Kilbane's lips after the Republic of Ireland midfielder signed for the Sky Blues on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old brings a wealth of experience to a young Coventry side after signing a one-year deal with the League One outfit.

Kilbane has made over 500 appearances at club level and represented his country on no fewer than 110 occasions, making him the third most capped Irish footballer in history.

And as his eventful career nears to an end, Kilbane will be offering a helping hand to the club's youngsters as he searches for the perfect finale, which would be to achieve promotion with the Sky Blues.

"I think I'd have to agree with that. Looking around the dressing room you can there are a lot of younger players here in the squad," he told the Observer.

"But there is a lot of quality there too and I think it's up to the players like me to try and help them reach their full potential.

"They will look up to players like myself during the bad times and I'm happy to help the younger lads out.

"I think the club have struggled since they got relegated from the Premier League. They've found it difficult but I really sense things are changing here.

"They are going back to basics and I feel this squad has a realistic chance for promotion."

Not many League One clubs can field an international midfielder with over 100 caps for his country.

And Kilbane insists that although he is interested in a future coaching role at the club, he fresh and ready to help with on-field matters too.

"When you come to the end of your career you have to make some decisions," added Kilbane, who works as a pundit for BBC 5 Radio Live.

"I have really enjoyed doing the media work and being out in Poland was a wonderful experience, although at times it was difficult watching Ireland instead of playing for them!

"But I've done my coaching badges and I really enjoyed working with Hull City reserves last season so it's something that has been discussed.

"But my focus at the moment is playing for Coventry and helping them on the pitch.

"I'm not demanding to be playing week-in-week-out, I'm just delighted to be here and I feel fit and confident to play."

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