Ben Cabango excited by Austria opportunity
Ben Cabango hopes he can carry his positive form with Swansea City onto the international stage and help Wales reach the final of the World Cup play-offs.
Rob Page’s side hose Austria at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night knowing victory would put them just one game away from a first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1958.
The defender has been an integral figure in Swansea’s defensive efforts this season and played a pivotal role in securing the Swans’ 15th clean sheet of the campaign in the draw against Birmingham City.
Cabango’s performances in SA1 have won him plenty of plaudits, including those of head coach Russell Martin, and he is excited about the challenge ahead.
“I am really looking forward to it (the Austria game). I think recently I have had a good period and I have had a good two months in the starting line-up,” said Cabango.
“I am playing well. Hopefully I can be involved in the game and hopefully we get through.
“I have been involved in the starting 11 for 11 games in a row now, so I have been doing well and I just need to just keep my head down, working hard, and keep putting in good performances.”
The Swans headed into the international break with a home draw against Birmingham, with a positive start tailing off.
But the hosts held their nerve during some late Birmingham pressure to ensure a valuable point was secured, and Cabango believes that resilience is a positive sign.
“There were a few tired legs out there, but I think we did well to come away with a draw and a clean sheet,” said the centre-back
“At the start of the season, we were losing games like that, so I think we have done well to come away with a point.
“Of course, we wanted the three points, but we weren’t at our best and we have managed to get something out of the game.
“The whole squad are working hard for the clean sheets because we know that is the foundation we need to go on and win games.
“We didn’t create the chances we wanted but we kept a clean sheet so that is a really good bonus.”
