Wolves and Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt is ready to end eight months of injury frustration after declaring himself available to face West Ham in Saturday’s crunch relegation battle.
Hunt came through 45 minutes of last night’s reserve clash against Wigan with no ill effects. It was his first action since being sidelined with a foot injury at his previous club, Hull, in February.
Hunt, signed by Mick McCarthy in the summer for €3.5 million, is confident he can play some part against the Hammers at Molineux.
He said: “The foot felt good and I was happy to get 45 minutes. To play 45 minutes was always the plan although I probably could have played for longer.
“I found myself making the runs I normally make and I’m going to get sharper and better as the weeks go on. But the real stuff is on Saturday at 3pm. That pressure is what I really enjoy and hopefully I can have a taste of it this weekend then at Chelsea the following week.”
Hunt admitted: “It would be great to play against West Ham. It’s a big game for us after four defeats in a row. To play 15-20 minutes on Saturday might not be beyond me. If I’m needed to start the game then I’m sure I could, but it’s down to the manager.”