Hunt may rue latest suspension

STEPHEN HUNT’S poor disciplinary record has cost him a place in the Wolves line-up at Chelsea on Saturday and he could find it difficult returning to Mick McCarthy’s team.

The Waterford man, who is suspended for the game at Stamford Bridge after picking up his fifth booking of the season last week, needs to impress in as many Premier League games as possible if he is to replace ether Damien Duff or Aiden McGeady in the Ireland team.

England winger Matt Jarvis has been on the sidelines waiting for his opportunity and if Jarvis resumes the form of last season Hunt will be warming a seat on the substitutes’ bench.

It has been a mixed season for Hunt, who started well only to be dropped by McCarthy for two games when Wanderers’ form plummeted and Giovanni Trapattoni has looked at him as third choice behind Duff and McGeady.

“Hunt has done all right, he has stood up,” explained McCarthy. “He’s took the penalties and done his bit. If he doesn’t want to give anyone the opportunity don’t get the five bookings.

“Jarvis is a very, very good player and last year was our talisman, our best player arguably and has been for a number of seasons. There is an opportunity for Jarvo and it is great that I have somebody like Matt Jarvis who can come in and play.”