Published: Thursday, 11th September, 2008 16:00
Hunt reveals what drives big brother
By Anthony Smith
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In demand: Stephen Hunt wants to be the Championship's star player this season.
NOEL Hunt is tipping big brother Stephen to become the Championship’s finest player following his transfer disappointment.
Hunt failed to secure a deadline day move to Premier League Everton because they refused to meet Reading’s £5 million demands.
Toffees boss David Moyes is thought to have bid £3.5 million –which Reading deny – and he could come back with more in January if Hunt remains at the top of his game.
But Noel insists that the unsettling speculation will have little effect on his brother’s performances.
“Stephen is very happy here,” he told The Chronicle. “He comes in, works hard in training gets on with everyone.
“If you’re not happy you wouldn’t do that. He’s a credit to himself.
“There was speculation but it’s over and he knows that. Now he can get on with it and concentrate on playing for Reading for the next few months.
“You can sit back and sulk but I know Stephen, and there’s no danger of him doing that. He’ll knuckle down and work hard.
“The way he sees it he wants to prove he’s the best player in the Championship. He has it in his head that he can do it, and I believe he can as well.
“It’s going to be a challenge but he wants Reading to win promotion again. It’s massive for the club and he knows he’s a big part of it so he’s going to work his socks off.”
Noel and Stephen – the first brothers to play for the Royals in nearly 40 years since Tony and Barry Wagstaff – regularly discussed the transfer speculation.
“We talked but he knew the story and what was happening,” revealed Noel. “It was a big Premier League club and no matter who you talk to, everyone wants to play there.
“But he knows it’s over, it didn’t happen, so he’s fully committed to Reading.”
Royals boss Steve Coppell confirmed a conversation with David Moyes took place on the eve of the September 1 transfer deadline. But he insists it was a general chat, no bid was made for Hunt and there was no further contact with Everton.
Nevertheless, Hunt was clearly under the impression that Everton had tabled an offer.
“Reading would have got the £5 million within the year but they did not want to budge,” stated Hunt.
“But nothing has ever come easy for me in football so it does re-focus me in terms of what I want to achieve.
“I understand Reading’s point of view, I totally do. But I am looking forward to the next game or so and proving to people that I am worth the £5 million.
“They can’t argue with the way I play, and that’s all I can do. Any player will tell you they want to play in the Premier League.
“They have understood my honesty over the years and that’s what they probably like about me. But at the same time, I am here and all I can do is give 100%.
“I am happy in Reading. I live in a nice area. I have never said I am unhappy – but I want to better myself as well.”
However, Hunt fears his chances at international level may be limited at a club outside the top flight.
The Republic of Ireland winger said: “If you play in the Premier League you stand a better chance of getting in the (Ireland) starting XI.
“What I have got to do is keep my standards high and score as many goals as I can and be in the headlines as much as possible between now and the end of the season, and then in World Cup year, be in the Premier League with or without Reading.”
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