Trap calls on Reading’s Hunt for crucial qualifiers

NOEL HUNT has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad as a replacement for Caleb Folan.

With Folan, currently on loan from Hull to Middlesbrough, ruled out with a torn hamstring, Giovanni Trapattoni has turned to the Reading striker to provide cover for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Montenegro.

Reading’s Hunt, brother of Stephen, made his biggest impact for Ireland so far when coming off the bench in the away game against Italy last April and sparking a minor controversy by claiming the 87th minute goal which gave the visitors a point in Bari.

However, television footage subsequently confirmed that the goal had been correctly attributed on the night to Robbie Keane.

Meanwhile, although he will be concerned about the well-being of all the Irish players in action for their clubs over the weekend, Trapattoni will be keeping an especially close eye on Aiden McGeady in tomorrow’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

McGeady, having recovered more quickly than expected from an ankle injury, played 80 minutes of Celtic’s Europa League draw with Rapid Vienna on Thursday and, assuming he suffers no adverse reaction, will line-out against Rangers.

Commenting on the winger’s performance against the Austrians, Celtic boss Tony Mowbray said: “I think Aiden was frustrated because he didn’t get on the ball as often as he’s used to doing at home. But that was because Rapid condensed the pitch and made movement difficult for him.”

Former Derry City man Paddy McCourt, who has caught they eye with recent goals for Celtic, is also in the running to be selected for tomorrow’s Glasgow derby,