Published: Wednesday, 15th October, 2008 8:00am

Hunt shrugs off injury scare

by Anthony Smith

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Glory daze: Noel Hunt looks out of it just moments after suffering a sickening head injury against Burnley.

NOEL Hunt insists he will not think twice about throwing himself into tackles despite his horror head injury.

Hunt received a sickening blow to the temple in the process of scoring against Burnley almost two weeks ago.

He collided with Clarets skipper Steve Caldwell and he still remembers nothing of the goal or the game itself.

But the incident has failed to blunt the 25-year-old striker's instincts and he says he would do exactly the same again.

"I still remember nothing about that Saturday at all," he revealed. "I don't think I will ever get that back so I just have to get on with it.

"I've seen the video on Prozone a couple of times. It's strange because I literally don't remember it. But in a way it's a good thing I don't remember it because people who get hit and stuff may tend to pull out of things in the future.

"But as I don't remember it, it doesn't bother me."

Hunt clashed with Caldwell as he steered home Jimmy Kebe's cross with a firm header in the opening minutes.

It was his sixth goal of the season and it gave Reading an early lead in a 3-1 victory which preserved the team's outstanding 100% record at the Madejski Stadium.

He played on for another 20 minutes before it became clear the injury was worse that initially thought and that Hunt was severely disorientated.

Doctors ruled he did not require a brain scan, though he has been prevented from heading balls in training as a precaution.

"I haven't had a scan yet," he explained. "All the are senses are improving so they didn't see a need for it. I don't know if it was a brave header because the ball was there to be won. Having looked at it, it was a good header.

"I think it was a small bit in favour of me so I should be winning it. I would definitely do the same thing again, absolutely. If it's for a goal, of course you would. Every striker would because it's what we're meant to do."

Hunt was forced to pull out of the Republic of Ireland's friendly with Nottingham Forest in Dublin last week. Fellow Royal Shane Long played and set up a goal in a 2-2 draw.

However, Hunt is now set to return to full training on Thursday with a view to rekindling his red-hot partnership with Kevin Doyle against Preston at Deepdale this Saturday.

To read the full story plus all the latest Royals news buy the Reading Chronicle this Thursday.