Last updated on .From the section Football

Sunderland midfielder David Meyler is determined to make the most of his Republic of Ireland call-up for Friday's opening World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.

Meyler was drafted in by Giovanni Trapattoni after Darron Gibson's refusal to travel to Astana.

Corkman Meyler has played three games for Sunderland this season after two injury-plagued years.

"I don't want to be called up and never get the call again," said Meyler, 23.

With Keith Andrews suspended and Paul Green injured, Meyler could be in line to get some action in Friday's game in Kazakhstan with Tuesday's friendly against Oman in London also coming up.

After joining the Black Cats from Cork City as an 18-year-old, Meyler became a regular in Steve Bruce's side in the 2009-10 season before his progress was halted by a cruciate ligament injury.

David Meyler factfile Born 29 May 1989

His father John won an All-Ireland Hurler medal with Cork in 1986

Moved to Sunderland in 2008 after only six appearances for Cork City

Made first Sunderland appearance in December 2009

Sustained cruciate ligament in May 2010 which put him out for over six months

Suffered recurrence of injury in January 2011 but started playing again in April 2011

Nine Sunderland appearances last season

The following season, Meyler suffered the same injury again three weeks into a comeback which put him out for another 10 weeks but the midfielder is now on the brink of a breakthrough at international level.

"With suffering two serious injuries in the last two years obviously it's vital I make an impression to ensure that he (Trapattoni) keeps me in the squad," added Meyler.

"I obviously want to stay here so I have to take every training session like it's my last and if I get the opportunity to play in either of the two games I have to make an impression."

During his periods of injury, Meyler put in 10-hour shifts at Sunderland's training ground to make sure he would make a full recovery.

"I learned to appreciate my life a lot more during that time. I was coming in at 8am and finishing at 6pm every day.

"On Saturday I would start training at 7am and then jump in the car and drive to Manchester or to London to watch Sunderland play.

"I'd sit with the away fans. Then you do start to appreciate it a bit more."

The Republic's World Cup group includes Germany, Sweden and Austria but Meyler insists that he would relish such big contests.

"As a kid I wished to play for Ireland every day of my life.

"I remember watching them at the World Cup in 1994 when I was five-years-old."