Forgotten man Hunt doesn’t expect Trap call

Noel Hunt doesn’t expect a Republic of Ireland recall even if he has the season of his life at new club Leeds United.

The striker was a Championship player in 2009 when he won his three Ireland caps but couldn’t get into Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad last season when scoring in the Premier League for Reading.

Now 30, the Waterford native finds it difficult to foresee a second coming as Ireland face into the final lap of the World Cup qualifying campaign, starting with a double-header against Sweden and Austria in early September.

“I don’t know if any type of season would get me back into the international scene,” said Hunt, when asked if the Championship campaign which starts on Saturday could provide a springboard into the international fold.

“I have not had any contact (from Ireland) since after the Montenegro game (in 2009). That was it. I got injured about a week later which put me out for a year but there’s been nothing since.

“I have just got to do my thing and worry about myself and Leeds and see what happens. If a call comes, then I will be delighted. If not, then I’ll just keep on working hard.”

Operating in the second tier of English football hasn’t hindered the international prospects of Hunt’s striking rivals Conor Sammon and Simon Cox, both of whom retained their places in Trapattoni’s panel for the friendly in Wales a fortnight today, and the Leeds forward reckons the level should be no barrier to representing his country.

The former Dundee United man, as Brian McDermott’s main striking acquisition this summer, will be relied upon to lead the promotion charge at Leeds, illustrated by him being handed the hallowed No 10 shirt at Elland Road.

“Championship players were in the Ireland squad last season and the manager is going to pick whom he wants to pick,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Reading boss McDermott hasn’t ruled out reforming the partnership of Hunt and Kevin Doyle which served the Royals so well during the 2008/9 campaign.

Doyle is available to buy from Wolves, though his current €50,000 weekly wage would need a major reduction for Leeds and McDermott to become genuine suitors.

“I just think we have to lose a player to get one in,” said McDermott on the link to Doyle.

“He is a great man and I think anyone would be happy to have Kevin Doyle in their team as he is a fantastic person.”