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Hunt is set for Trap  Ireland’s
breath of fresh air looking to impress new boss.
E ven as he deals with the harsh reality of a Premier League relegation
battle with Reading, the Republic of Ireland’s Stephen Hunt still
finds time for a cheeky smile or a surprising comment.
The 26-year-old is a breath of fresh air in a League spilling over with
cloned athletes all responding in the same mundane fashion to reporters’
questions on a weekly basis.
Hunt however still has his feet on this planet and when asked about how
the arduous battle to remain in the top flight is affecting him his answer
was refreshingly honest.
“For a few weeks there I was beating myself up about it but recently
I realised I had to start trying to enjoy each game again,” said
Hunt. “I would try golf and would bring the missus out for a meal
but at the end of the day I knew I had to take a different approach myself.
Also you know ours is a dream job, it can hardly be described as stressful
when you consider what other people have to do for work.”
If Hunt is working hard to stay positive about his club prospects he’s
visibly bubbling with excitement when asked about developments with the
Republic of Ireland in the past few weeks.
The full-hearted winger said playing for his country is possibly one of
the greatest things there is about being a professional footballer.
“There’s something unique about playing for Ireland. The buzz
that exists between the players is unreal whether it’s in training
or in the team hotel. Often I’m asked what I think I’ll miss
most when I eventually hang up the boots and that buzzing feeling is my
answer.”
As the new Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli tours English grounds
putting together reports for his boss on Irish players, Hunt believes
Irish footballers will be very aware that they are being monitored by
the former Italian star.
“I’m sure all of the Irish players over here will be keen
to impress the new assistant coach so he recommends us to the manager.
Between now and the end of the season I know I’m going to be very
aware that members of the Irish management team are in the stands and
I will want to show them what I can do.”
But what does the Waterford man know about Giovanni Trapattoni?
“I haven’t got a Scooby Doo,” revealed Hunt. “All
I do know is about what he’s won. Sadly I don’t speak Italian
either, Kevin Doyle’s the man for that having played over there
briefly [with Torino’s academy].”
Despite not knowing anything about the new Ireland manager’s style
of play he does admit that he’s delighted with the appointment.
However the former Brentford and Crystal Palace dynamo is less than overjoyed
by the venue for the Republic of Ireland’s May 29 friendly International
against Colombia.
Careful not to put his foot in it before meeting Trapattoni, Hunt simply
threw his eyes up to heaven when told Fulham’s Craven Cottage would
host the game but refused to make his feelings known verbally.
Under Steve Staunton, Hunt was mainly used as an impact sub with Celtic’s
Aidan McGeady being preferred on the left wing.
Now under Trapattoni the long-haired terrier is expected to start more
games for Ireland and he’s relishing the chance to meet with his
new manager.
While Hunt, who has nine caps for his country, remains positive that his
club can stay up this season, he does realise that relegation could also
potentially damage his international prospects.
“Of course the Premiership is a better showcase for players but
Irish squads over the last few years have included a lot of Championship
players too. I firmly believe that if a player is good enough his form
should dictate whether he should play or not. It would be disrespectful
to Championship players to say they wouldn’t be in the manager’s
thoughts. Hopefully though it won’t come to that and we can stay
up. I firmly believe we will,” he said.
If Giovanni Trapattoni wants to get off to a good start with the Irish
supporters then he’ll start Hunt in the May 24 clash against Serbia
at Croke Park.
The ‘Jester’ will entertain and excite the green army but
he also possesses the ability and speed to torment international defences.
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