Stephen Hunt has spoken of his excitement and the ‘buzz’ surrounding the build up to Ireland’s trip to the Euro 2012 finals in Poland next month.
Speaking to Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh on the Over The Line podcast Hunt spoke of his ‘unbelievable memories’ of watching Ireland during the 1990 World Cup in Italy and the 2002 world Cup in Japan, and his hope of emulating the player s of previous campaigns.
“It would be great to be part of the history, to score a winning goal or to have a major impact on the tournament and be remembered for that. My aim for the next four weeks is to try and get in the team and be ready”
And Hunt contends that he has every chance of playing his part in the campaign and does not believe that the winger positions are set in stone, with Aiden McGeady & Damien Duff being automatic first choice wingers.
“I know the manager gives me my fair share of the games and he believes in me, and I played the same ammount of games as Duffer in the last campaign”
The Waterford born winger also spoke of the inclusion of James McClean in the squad for Poland.
“Fair play to James he’s had a good season which means 1 – he’s available for Ireland, 2 - it’s competition, and 3 - it’s healthy competition for the squad”
“ It certainly motivates you to do better but also to help james, he’s a young lad and everyone in the squad will welcome him and help him along the way, because we all want to do well”
Hunt also gave an interesting insight into how group C might play out for Ireland, a result which would see Ireland progressing to the later stages of the competition.
“We need to go there, do well and make our own history. I’ve an idea how the group will pan out that has us qualifying. I don’t think it’s important to win the Croatia, a draw just keeps everything alive and builds momentum going into the Spain game and then with the Italian game, we’d be hoping that we’d have enough in the locker to beat them, if needs be”
Wolves chairman Steve Morgan has vowed that his team will come good and has tipped Irish international new-boy Stephen Hunt to prove a major hit.
Former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy takes his side to Wigan on Saturday reeling from three successive defeats that have seen them ship five late goals, after leading in two of them.
Laois born Hunt is expected back in contention after the international break and Morgan is expecting big things of the Ireland international.
He said: “Like a lot of Wolves fans, I’m really looking forward to seeing him play.
“I was a huge admirer of his when he was playing for Hull and Reading.
“I’m sure he’ll make a difference for us.”
Hunt has been progressing well from his foot injury and McCarthy hopes he can be available for the visit of West Ham on October 16.
Ireland’s Stephen Hunt won Player of the Year in his previous two seasons at both Reading and Hull. But he hopes he won’t make it a treble at Wolves – after both clubs were relegated in the same season.
Hunt is the only one of boss Mick McCarthy’s summer signings who hasn’t played for his new club yet and it is likely to be October before he finally makes his debut.
But hopes are high that the Portlaoise born winger will have a similar impact on Wolves that he had on his the Royals and the Tigers – and quickly banish any thoughts of a struggle against the drop.
“I didn’t think anyone was going to pick up on that!” said the 29-year-old when asked about the statistic.
“It’s been frustrating to win Player of the Season and get relegated twice. “Perhaps it’s a bad omen but we’ll see how we go here.”
Maybe Hull would have stayed up had Hunt been fit after suffering a foot injury from a Ronald Zubar challenge against Wolves in January.
“The last two and a half months of the season were out of my hands really,” said Hunt, whose six goals up to that point made him Hull’s top scorer.
“It was very frustrating but Hull were very good about the whole situation and with what I wanted to do, so I thank them for that.”
Now relieved to be among more faces he knows at Wolves, Hunt, who signed a three-year deal at Molineux, believes familiarity can breed success as Wolves look to build on last season’s 15th-placed finish.
Married to Kevin Doyle’s cousin, Hunt forms a former Reading quartet with Doyle, Marcus Hahnemann and Greg Halford.
He also rooms with Andy Keogh on Ireland trips, from where he also knows Kevin Foley, while he has bumped into fellow Irishman Stephen Ward enough times to call him a friend and has played against most Wolves players.
“I’ve got an awful lot of friends here, which helped me settle in,” said Hunt.
“Kevin and Marcus are obvious ones, but there’s Andy and Kevin Foley I know through Ireland and I’ve met Stephen a few times so I know him very well.”
After failing with four bids rising to £5m in January, Wolves’ faith in Hunt was amplified by signing him when he was still three months away from being fit following the complicate foot injury.
It was some statement – and the 29-year-old is anxious to repay McCarthy.
“They came in when I’m not fit which shows they’ve got so much faith in me,” he said.
“They really wanted me which made me really want to come here – but I always wanted to come here anyway.”
With Matt Jarvis adapted to the Premier League and Michael Kightly nearing full fitness again, Hunt knows to battle for his place.
But confidence is not something he is short of and the bubbly character believes his all-action as well as his goal threat will impress at Wolves.
“I’ve got competition because a few of the lads finished last season strongly and they did a good job so I’ve got to get my head down and do my bit,” he said.
“The players who played last season will get better this time too because they have had the experience of a year at this level.
“But we need to add to it as well and hopefully I can do my bit.
“When you play midfield in the modern game you have to have a bit of everything.
“Hopefully I can score the same amount of goals if not more once I stay injury-free.
“I want to set up a few goals for Kevin Doyle or whoever is playing up front and to get plenty of crosses into the box, that’s my job really.”
Having played together at Reading for four years, Doyle is looking forward to linking up with him again.
“As well as his qualities on the pitch, he’ll be a boost off the pitch as well because he’s lively and a very good fellow,” said the striker.
“He’ll be good for keeping everyone positive as well as playing well on the pitch.
“We had a lot of success at Reading – he’s a good player and he’s easy for team-mates to play with.”
Wolves insist Stephen Hunt will return as good as before after dismissing fears of his injury.
The 28-year-old Ireland international completed his £3m move to Molineux yesterday on a three-year contract, despite being in rehabilitation for a damaged foot sustained against Wolves at the end of January.
Both the club and Hunt, who attended his press conference on crutches, steered away from setting comeback dates apart from confirming he will miss the first few games of the season.
Wolves’ concerns at Hunt’s injury – he had to have a ligament re-attached to his foot – and the subsequent price were believed to have been factors in the delay in getting the deal done.
But chief executive Jez Moxey and the club are satisfied Hunt will make a full recovery.
He said: “I accept that it’s unusual for players to be bought when they’re injured. But we’ve tracked Stephen for a very long time. He’s doing well in terms of his rehabilitation.
“Hull have been very open in providing us with his medical records and the surgeons who performed the operation are very satisfied with the rehab and progress he’s making.
“There are no complications. It’s just a question of time and Stephen will play when he’s ready.
“He started work with us yesterday and has been working out in the anti-gravity treadmill.”
Hunt initially played on for three weeks with painkilling injections, after initial x-rays revealed no damage and he didn’t see a foot specialist at the time.
But, when the pain continued, the Republic of Ireland international eventually underwent an exploratory operation which showed some damage, and a little bone was pinned.
He said: “I wouldn’t say it was mis-diagnosed, but it took a bit longer than expected.
“But I had an x-ray in my medical which showed everything is in place – Wolves wouldn’t have signed me without having a good look at that.
“People only need to look at my Prozone statistics and that will tell you enough.
“I know what I’m capable of and where I want to get to and I’ll make sure I get there.
“I’ll miss the first few games of the season. Hopefully it won’t be too many but for the next two months, I’m going to be working tirelessly.
“Everyone is happy and I’m over the worst of it now.”
Wolves will step up their bid to sign Hull City winger Stephen Hunt this weekend.
Mick McCarthy looks set to return to the Tigers to further strengthen his squad for a second Premier League campaign with a move for Hunt.
Despite recently hinting his interest in the Ireland winger may have waned, it is understood that McCarthy is determined to have him in his squad next season.
Hunt, who is married to the sister of Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, missed the latter stages of City's season with a foot injury which will also entirely rule him out of pre-season.
A potential return date has been estimated as October at the earliest, although there are some fears it could be Christmas before he is ready to make a full return.
But a source close to the player has told the Mail that initial discussions have been held between the two clubs in recent days during negotiations over Mouyokolo's move.
And it is thought those talks will advance with a view to a deal being struck for Hunt in the next seven days.
Hunt's injury, combined with City's obvious need to sell, will prevent the Tigers from securing anywhere near the £5m offered by Wolves in January for the recently-crowned player of the season. But it is thought Wolves could yet beat the £3.5m offer already made by West Brom.
Ireland skipper Robbie Keane is sure Stephen Hunt can plug the sizeable gap left by Damien Duff against Bulgaria on Saturday night.
The 27-year-old Reading midfielder will deputise for his injured Newcastle counterpart in the World Cup qualifier at Croke Park, desperate to build upon the impression he made against Georgia and Montenegro earlier in the campaign.
Giovanni Trapattoni has no qualms over throwing Hunt into the starting line-up in place of one of his most influential players in recent games, and that confidence extends to the rest of his players.
Keane said: "It's obviously a massive blow to us [losing Duff]. He has been fantastic over the years and especially in this campaign, and it's a big blow to us because he is a very important player.
"But it gives someone else an opportunity now to play and to do well for the team.
"Stephen Hunt will come in and I am sure he will give it his all like he always does.
"It's disappointing, but it gives someone else an opportunity."
Worryingly for Trapattoni, his other first-choice wide-man, Aiden McGeady, is also struggling with a badly-bruised foot, but the Italian has no plans to abandon the system he has adopted during his time in charge.
That could mean employing either Andy Keogh or Shane Long, both strikers by trade, out wide, but again, Keane is confident whoever is selected will do a job as Ireland attempt to maintain the pressure on Group Eight leaders Italy, who they face in Bari on Wednesday evening.
He said: "We have got players like Stephen Hunt, who is an out-and-out winger, and he does a similar job to Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff.
"And if Andy Keogh or Shane Long come in, the two of them are hard-working players who are strong and quick.
"It may be a little bit different because the two of them are strikers.
"Andy's a good player and he's having a good season with Wolves. Wolves are top of the league and he's part of that squad.
"He's played there on a few occasions before and he has done well for us. He's a hard worker, he is quick, he is good in the air and he can obviously score a goal.
"But at the end of the day, no matter who plays we have to be comfortable with whoever the manager brings in, and Andy is certainly capable of coming in and doing a good job for us."
Bulgaria have their own injury concerns, not least star striker Dimitar Berbatov's absence with an ankle problem, although Trapattoni insists there is no room for complacency.
He said: "They have other players - [Velizar] Dimitrov, [Ivelin] Popov, [Blagoy] Georgiev.
"Georgiev is one of the best players from free-kicks. Italy has [Andrea] Pirlo, but Georgiev can score a goal very quickly.
"We will have to concentrate from the first minute until the 94th minute when we will be in the dressing room."
Damien Duff has been ruled out of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy with a hamstring injury.
Thursday evening's shock news was a big blow to Ireland boss Giovanni Trapatonni before the important group 8 games against Bulgaria and Italy.
There had been no suggestion of any problem with Duff's fitness and Aiden McGeady remains a fitness doubt because of a foot injury, but goalkeeper Shay Given will be fit.
Reading winger Stephen Hunt looks certain to replace Duff in the starting line-up.
McGeady took only a limited part in training on Thursday and faces a fitness test on Friday.
Wolves midfield Andy Keogh is in line to come into the team if McGeady is ruled out.
Duff picked up the injured in training on Wednesday and a scan on Thursday morning revealed that he is likely to be out for two weeks.
After a long injury-affected spell, Duff has returned to impressive form for in recent games.
The Newcastle winger's withdrawal was confirmed by Republic assistant Liam Brady on Thursday evening.
Duff returned to Newcastle after getting the results of the scan.
Manager Giovanni Trapattoni is already minus injured defender Steve Finnan who misses out because of a hamstring injury.
Ireland take on Group Eight leaders Italy in Bari four days after the Bulgaria game.
The Italians are ahead of Trapattoni's team on goal difference with both teams locked on 10 points after four games.
The Football Association of Ireland are no longer having to consider making new travel arrangements for the Republic squad's trip to Bari.
Airports in Ireland had been expected to be affected by a nationwide strike on Monday - the day that the squad are scheduled to travel to Italy.
However, the strike threat has now been averted.
Stephen Hunt has said that there would be 'a riot' if Stephen Ireland only decided to return to the Republic Of Ireland set-up for the World Cup Finals.
Reading star Hunt is clearly unimpressed with the Manchester City midfielder, who has not played for his country since concocting a story about the death of his grandmother in 2007.
On the subject of whether Ireland would return for a possible appearance in the Finals, Hunt told the Sunday Independent: "I'm sure Stephen Ireland wouldn't do that, you'd want to be very sure of yourself to do that.
"I don't think it would be healthy, that wouldn't go down well but then again we want the best players in the squad."
Hunt admits is getting bored with the constant speculation about the Manchester City midfielder.
"I think it's up to one man to come out and clarify the situation, to give someone an indication, whether it's that he'll play next year or in three games' time.
"But it seems like Stephen is just sitting there and not helping anyone. He needs to clarify it and ease the pressure so we know what he's going to do. Then it's up to the manager to pick him."
Ireland international Stephen Hunt is confident that new signing, and fellow Irishman Jay Tabb will play a key role for Reading between now and the end of the season.
Tabb, a £600,000 Coventry City signing is yet to even make the bench under boss Steve Coppell but Hunt sees the diminutive player as the main threat for his position now that Bobby Convey has left the club to sign for San Jose Earthquakes.
“Bobby has gone and I wish him well but Jay is more of a threat now,” explained Hunt.
“He comes in, puts in his shift in training and has done well.
“He can play left or right wing, central midfield or behind the striker so it’s good competition for me. I know I feel him breathing down my neck. It’s good to have that.
“He’s a very good player. He was Player of the Year at Coventry and at Brentford where I played with him so I know all about him.
“I think he could play a big part in the remaining games if he does get his chance. We’re also looking for a big impact from Jimmy Kebe, me and the two strikers.”
And Hunt also quipped: “I know all about Jay’s golf abilities as well. He’s a very good player with a lovely, picturesque swing so I’ll be keeping my money in my pocket. Whether he’s got the bottle on the greens I’m not too sure.”
Ireland international Stephen Hunt has promised to do everything in his power to fire Reading back into the Premier League after agreeing a new contract.
The Portlaoise midfielder was strongly linked with a £5 million move to Wigan and Spurs in the January transfer window.
But Royals received no official bids a before Monday’s deadline and Hunt is now on the verge of penning a bumper new deal.
The 27-year-old winger was already under contract until 2011 and his new one will keep him tied to the club for a further year on improved terms.
The Ireland star revealed: “I had a clear head about three or four days before the QPR game. I knew what was going on so there wasn’t a problem.
“Even if people had come in for me on deadline from clubs I’ve been linked with, especially one club, I wouldn’t have gone there.
“I’m happy where I am and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully we can kick on and get points on the board.
“We want to be in the Premier League and my big aim is to get in a lot of crosses and score lots of goals. That’s my target and I’m determined to have a big impact on the rest of the season.
“The speculation wasn’t really playing on my mind, But I think the best is still to come from me and hopefully the fans will see that over the next few months.”
Hunt is expected to put pen to paper any day now and Royals director of football Nick Hammond stated: “There are a few things to tie up but it should be a formality.
“There has been a lot of speculation about Stephen but we have worked hard to find a solution to keep him here.
“The most important thing for us in January was keeping the squad together and we have done that.
“People are aware about the £5 million clause in his contract but we never had an offer that met that figure. And I must say Stephen’s commitment throughout this time has been outstanding.”
Stephen Hunt has accused Reading of lying about the chances of his return to the Premier League.
The Ireland international has a clause in his contract that says he can leave the club for £5million.
Wigan and Spurs are both keen and know Hunt is desperate to taste top-flight football again.
Reading boss Steve Coppell has claimed no bids have been received by anyone but Hunt reckoned this was a smokescreen.
He said: 'I know they have been contacted by clubs. Maybe some people need to go to church on a Sunday for confession.
'A lot of things have been said and a lot of things have been denied. It's quite embarrassing really but you have to get on with it.
'I know exactly what's happening and it amuses me when I see the comments that come out. But I suppose they've got a job to do, though it really is shocking. The noise is frightening but at the end of the day what can you do?'
Reading are on course for a top-flight return themselves and Hunt did not rule out staying.
He said: 'Staying here and winning promotion with Reading is still a possibility, of course it is. Whether clubs can come to an agreement, only time will tell.
'The manager expects me to stay and I'm happy here. But at the same time Premier League football is hard to turn down.'
Kevin Doyle has pleaded with Reading not to sell his Ireland team-mate Stephen Hunt to Wigan Athletic.
Hunt took a step closer to the Premier League yesterday when Wigan tabled a £5million bid for the Ireland international, and as Reading are not in action this weekend due to their FA Cup exit, a deal could be done in the next 48 hours if Wigan boss Steve Bruce can prove he's serious about signing the Waterford man.
But Hunt's team-mate with club and country has begged the Royals not to sell Hunt and to keep him on board for their promotion push, despite the arrival at Reading earlier this week of a possible replacement in fellow Irishman Jay Tabb.
"Obviously I hope that us signing Jay Tabb doesn't mean Stephen Hunt going. We need everyone, especially him as he has been one of our best players for a while," said Doyle.
But Reading's determination to hold onto winger Hunt will be tested by the cash reserves available to Wigan boss Steve Bruce, who has £15million to spend due to the sale of Wilson Palacios to Spurs earlier this week.
Wigan had been keen on Fulham's Jimmy Bullard but he is now set to join Premier League rivals Hull City in a £6m deal, so Bruce will switch his attention to Ireland man Hunt.
The Waterford native almost joined Everton in a £4m deal last summer but that fell through when the clubs failed to agree on the payment process, with Everton offering the money in installments but Reading demanded the cash up front.
Hunt now has a clause in his contract which allows him leave the Madejski Stadium if another club makes a bid in excess of £5m.
Meanwhile West Ham are poised to make a bid for Sligo Rovers' Ireland U21 star Seamus Coleman, after Everton failed to make a substantial offer. Everton reportedly made a bid of just €100,000 for Coleman but Sligo are holding out for more and that could see West Ham nab the Donegal native. Sligo chairman Michael Toolan today confirmed that Rovers had held talks with three English Premier League teams and two SPL clubs.
Reading and Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt has won the December Powerade Player of the Month Award in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Hunt's performances were at the heart of a fantastic month for Reading, which saw them pick up 17 points from their seven league fixtures.
The Irish international's impressive displays helped the Royals to five straight wins at the beginning of the month, including his eighth goal of the season in the victory against Norwich. Two solid draws against Cardiff and Southampton rounded off an unbeaten December to help Reading close the gap on league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers as they head into 2009.
Chris Kamara, chairman of the Powerade Player of the Month Awards panel, said:
"Stephen Hunt has been in terrific form for Reading since the start of the season and December was no exception. His driving displays from the heart of midfield were instrumental in his side's fine performances, which saw the Royals remain unbeaten throughout December and notch five consecutive wins in a row that culminated in an outstanding away victory at promotion rivals Birmingham City."
