Hunt backs squad to deliver

Anthony Smith • Published 6 Jan 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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NOEL Hunt believes the depth of Reading's squad will give them a massive advantage over their promotion rivals during the closing months of the season.

Royals return to Championship action when they host Watford in a televised Friday night game at the Madejski Stadium (8pm ko, live on Sky Sports).

Boss Steve Coppell is almost certain to pick a full-strength team and recall the likes of Hunt and strike partner Kevin Doyle after his experimental side were dumped out of the FA Cup by Cardiff City last weekend following a 2-0 third round defeat at Ninian Park.

Coppell's team-selection was criticised by some Royals fans but he freely admits that promotion back to the Premier League is the club's sole priority.

And on that front he knows there is plenty of room for improvement after back-to-back league draws against Cardiff and Southampton over the Christmas period.

Nevertheless, Royals remain second in the table ahead of Birmingham on goal-difference and seven points adrift of leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Hunt, though, insists a lead of that size counts for little at this stage. "You see a lot of teams doing well in the first half of the season but they die away because of injury and the fact their players become tired," argued the Republic of Ireland striker.

"We're in a good position and it's a massive challenge for us but we have a really big squad and we have players who can come in when others are out injured or suspended.

"It's great to have that. We're blessed with the squad we have and I'm sure if we bring in anyone new in January he will be a great addition to the squad."

Coppell is after a striker and another player, probably a full-back, in the January transfer window fuelling rumours that Leroy Lita is almost certain to leave.

The ex-England U21 star will be out of contract in the summer and has been linked with Everton and Newcastle as well as Norwich City where he spent three months on loan.

Reports also say Wigan are preparing a £5 million bid for Stephen Hunt, while Reading continue to be linked with Southampton's Andrew Surman and Portsmouth's Hermann Hreidarsson.

"The manager has said he may look to buy another striker which will mean more competition," added Noel Hunt.

"It depends on who comes in and who goes, if anybody does. But we have a good squad and any additions can only strengthen it."

And he also stressed: "I don't think anyone has a permanent place in our team because we have a lot of good players. Shane Long did well and scored a very important goal for us at Southampton.

"We have a big, competitive squad and I don't think anyone thinks they're the main man. No one's place is cemented in so it's important we keep working hard."

Coppell's rotation policy backfired at Cardiff where second-half goals from Ross McCormack and Joe Ledley sent the Bluebirds through to the fourth round and a mouthwatering home tie with Arsenal.

Skipper Graeme Murty made his comeback from a long-term injury but it was mostly a side made up of reserves and youngsters.

But Hunt insisted: "The cup isn't our main objective. We know it's an important competition but our priority is getting into the Premier League.

"That's more important because no matter how far you go in the cup it won't get you promotion. It's a big decision but all the players and staff know it's the right one because we need to concentrate on the league.

"The only way to do that is letting those players who are going to be very important recharge their batteries.

"A few of the boys have had knocks but hopefully they have settled down over the last few days and it's been back to training as normal."

Royals drew 2-2 at Watford earlier in the season when blunder ref Stuart Attwell awarded Coppell's side the infamous "phantom' goal.

The Hornets are now managed by ex-Royals coach Brendon Rogers who went to Vicarage Road via Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Dave Mooney has joined Stockport County on loan for a month while Alan Bennett will stay at Brentford on loan until the end of January.

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 06 Jan 09

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