Hunt set for comeback in reserves game

Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt will finally make his first appearance for Wolves in tonight’s reserve-team clash with Wigan at Molineux.

Summer signing Hunt made the £4m move from Hull during the close season but has been sidelined since February with a foot injury.

But he recently returned to full training and has been named in the side to face the Latics.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy had always targeted mid-October for a return to action for Hunt but he has pleaded for patience while the player regains sharpness and match-fitness.

McCarthy said: “Let’s just put it into perspective. Hunty has not played since (February). He is not suddenly going to come back and take the league by storm.

“He is going to have to be given a bit of time with his reserve team football and training to get the necessary football skills back. They just don’t come back like that overnight.

“He has worked hard. He is a naturally fit guy and I think he will come back very quickly – but we’ve just got to give him a chance.”

Hunt suffered the initial foot injury against Wolves in January but played on for four more matches before being sidelined.