Hunt out to convince Staunton

Lieutenant Pigeon · by **Lieutenant Pigeon** » 23 May 2007 10:20

From the Official Irish site...

Stephen Hunt looks to convince Stephen Staunton heâ€™s up for the job

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Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007 Section: International

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When Stephen Hunt pulls on the Irish jersey this week, heâ€™ll do so comfortable with the weight of expectation currently resting on his shoulders.

A new-look Ireland team face Ecuador tonight in the Giants Stadium, New Jersey (kick-off 1am Thursday, Irish time) and the Reading winger is just one of the many relative newcomers looking to consolidate a place in the squad for the upcoming EURO 2008 qualifiers during the Autumn.

One manâ€™s misfortune can have the opposite effect for another. The confirmation from Ireland manager Stephen Staunton on Tuesday of Damien Duffâ€™s lengthy absence following recent foot surgery heightens the stakes for Hunt to become a contender for the starting slot on the left side of midfield.

Staunton acknowledged that heâ€™ll have to plan without Duff for the September qualifiers against Slovakia and Czech Republic.

The Newcastle flanker could be out for as long as six months, meaning the home fixtures against Germany and Cyprus in October and November might also come too soon for a fully-fit Duff to return.

25-year old Hunt is no stranger to filling a void presented by an injured party. He clocked up his 28 starts in the league for Reading after Bobby Convey was sidelined in October and has displayed his capacity to utilise an opening, if offered one.

â€œBobby got injured at Reading after nine games and I took over for the rest of the season,â€

Jase_Royals · by **Jase_Royals** » 23 May 2007 10:28

Alan Bennett being used as a striker??

Dirk Gently · by **Dirk Gently** » 23 May 2007 10:43

God, we could have 5 past or present Royals playing in the same full international team!

Who'd have thought it?

Skyline · by **Skyline** » 23 May 2007 10:45

6 if you include Nick Colgan's loan period.

Dirk Gently · by **Dirk Gently** » 23 May 2007 10:46

I was, but I'd missed seeing Joey Gamble there!

Bucks Dave · by **Bucks Dave** » 23 May 2007 11:18

So Ireland has just one in the squad from an Irish team. As the interviewer from RTE said to Doyle, "It's great to hear one of our players with an Irish accent".

Mind you, that interview was a laugh .

"So, Kevin. You're a premiership star now. Do you have the bling and the Ferrari and glamorous girls".

Kevin (laughing) "Not when you're at Reading".

Corky341 · by **Corky341** » 23 May 2007 11:24

We might even have a 7th (past) Royal involved, if Pat Bonner is coaching the keepers!!

nivek elyod · by **nivek elyod** » 23 May 2007 11:34

Bucks Dave So Ireland has just one in the squad from an Irish team. As the interviewer from RTE said to Doyle, "It's great to hear one of our players with an Irish accent".

Mind you, that interview was a laugh .

"So, Kevin. You're a premiership star now. Do you have the bling and the Ferrari and glamorous girls".

Kevin (laughing) "Not when you're at Reading".

Link for the interview, please?

Lieutenant Pigeon · by **Lieutenant Pigeon** » 23 May 2007 12:18

Link for the interview, please?

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_ ... ew&id=2066

Starfish · by **Starfish** » 23 May 2007 20:44

Bennett, Hunt and Doyle all to start anyway.

rg6royal · by **rg6royal** » 23 May 2007 21:43

why not long as well because long and hunt linked up really well when i last saw them play????

biscuitsrus · by **biscuitsrus** » 23 May 2007 22:00

Bucks Dave So Ireland has just one in the squad from an Irish team. As the interviewer from RTE said to Doyle, "It's great to hear one of our players with an Irish accent".

Mind you, that interview was a laugh .

"So, Kevin. You're a premiership star now. Do you have the bling and the Ferrari and glamorous girls".

Kevin (laughing) "Not when you're at Reading".

rfc_prem2006 · by **rfc_prem2006** » 23 May 2007 22:01

is the game live on any channel?

Squelchy2507 · by **Squelchy2507** » 23 May 2007 22:05

rfc_prem2006 is the game live on any channel?

Sky Sports 1 at 8pm
http://www.bleb.org/tv/channel.html?ch=sky_sports1&all&day=1

rfc_prem2006 · by **rfc_prem2006** » 23 May 2007 22:10

not showing it live obviously, but cheers for that!

T.R.O.L.I. · by **T.R.O.L.I.** » 23 May 2007 22:51

rfc_prem2006 not showing it live obviously, but cheers for that!

How do you work that out when the game is actually in Bolivia.

BBC Sport Bolivia v Rep of Ireland, 21:00

rfc_prem2006 · by **rfc_prem2006** » 23 May 2007 23:19

T.R.O.L.I.
rfc_prem2006 not showing it live obviously, but cheers for that!

How do you work that out when the game is actually in Bolivia.

BBC Sport Bolivia v Rep of Ireland, 21:00

because if you actually read Huntys article properly then you will see that it says Ireland face Ecuador tonight in the Giants Stadium(1am Irish Time) and the article was dated 23rd May!!

They play Bolivia on Saturday

T.R.O.L.I. · by **T.R.O.L.I.** » 24 May 2007 07:56

The whole year inn · by **The whole year inn** » 03 Jun 2007 08:21

Linked with Pompey and West Ham according to the ever reliable rumours page on the beeb website.

Hunt out to convince Staunton

Hunt out to convince Staunton

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