Hunt to fight for place

Reading midfielder hoping to impress against Georgia

Last updated: 5th September 2008

Hunt to fight for place

Hunt: Out to impress

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Stephen Hunt is looking to establish himself as a regular starter for Republic of Ireland after being included in the side to face Georgia.

The Reading midfielder missed out on a transfer to Everton on deadline day and realises that staying in the Championship could make it more difficult for him to catch Giovanni Trapattoni's eye.

However, he is determined to find his best form for Reading to keep him in the thoughts of his national team manager.

"I said in the Premier League that if you play in the Premier League, you do stand a better chance of getting in the starting XI," said Hunt.

"What I have got to do is keep my standards as high as I can and score as many goals as I can and be in the headlines as much as I possibly can between now and the end of the season, and then in World Cup year, be in the Premier League with Reading or without Reading."

Opportunity

Hunt has been selected to play against Georgia after Damien Duff was ruled out with a groin injury and he is desperate to seize his chance.

Trapattoni has made it clear that Hunt is expected to track back and help out in defence, and the 27-year-old is ready to put in the hard work.

"I understand fully how the manager wants me to play, and I think it suits my game," he explained.

"Whether he has seen enough of me to know that is another thing, but it suits me the way he wants me to play in terms of helping the full-back out. Just ask Nicky Shorey.

"It is an opportunity. I came in halfway through the last campaign, four or five games into it when we were dead and buried.

"I am hoping we start off a good campaign and in two years' time, I will be at a World Cup in the starting XI. I am looking forward to the next couple of games."