Hunt gives warning to players on missing list

STEPHEN HUNT believes the controversy over the absentees from the Ireland squad has instilled unity in the camp.

Rising stars James McCarthy and Marc Wilson put their international futures in jeopardy by failing to contact the FAI about injuries and the Wolves winger laid down an ultimatum following his 90-minute display in the Carling Nations Cup win over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.

“To be honest, it’s probably brought us closer together in terms of the ones that have turned up,” admitted the 29-year-old. “Tonight, the captain (Robbie Keane) was quick to praise ones that are here. Credit to him for saying that and credit to us for being here.”