Hunt hoping to force squad inclusion
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Southeast striker and Irish International Noel Hunt is hoping to force his way into Giovanni Trapattoni’s Euro 2012 panel. Speaking to Beat 102-103, the Southeast hit man said that he still harbours ambitions of breaking back into the international fold.
“Yeah I do, but like I've said to people, the quality in that squad is very high. I do fancy myself to be in it. I will try to push from now to the end of the season, it would be nice for me to get in. Obviously it would be a big part of my career to be involved in the squad.
The Reading forward feels that qualification for Euro 2012 is a big achievement and a boost for the whole country. He is hoping that the prospect of an international tournament will lift the spirits of everyone in Ireland.
“It's massive. It's a big thing for the country and for the fans. You know, I was so happy when we qualified. It gives the country something to look forward to. I've been home and I've seen the way things are going with work. Hopefully it'll bring a bit of joy into the summer for next year. So it's a big thing for us, yeah.”
Hunt is optimistic about our chances in Poland-Ukraine. He thinks we can progress from the group stages at the very least. “In every major competition I fancy us to at least get out of the group. It depends on who our group would be. You know, do you want an easy group or a couple of hard teams in there to get you ready? But I still fancy us to get out of the group.
The Waterford-born international says he’s love a chance to play against England and he thinks it would be fantastic for the region if he and other players from the Southeast could make the final Irish squad.
“I think I would. I think on the day we'd show it's not just an individual player that makes a team. It's a team effort. Obviously you've got Stephen (Hunt) as well and Sheazy (John O'Shea) would be there too. You never know, with a bit of luck maybe Daryl (Murphy) might get back in it as well. It'd be great for the South-East if we could all get in and stay injury free, please God, and have a good crack at it.”
