Forgotten man on target for pre season return

Royals striker Hunt has been out injured since October 2009 with a knee tendon injury, and last featured in the blue and white hoops against West Brom in a 3-1 defeat at the Hawthorns. However after months of grueling sessions in the gym, he is back on the training field and desperate to play a full part in pre season.


He trained alone on Thursday at Hogwood two weeks ahead of his team mates return from their summer holidays, and he told The Reading Post, 'I want to make sure I come back fitter than ever, it has been such a long time out and it`s been hard watching from the sidelines.'


With Brian McDermott set to continue with his 4-2-3-1 formation next season, Hunt could be the missing link up front. Whilst Shane Long and Simon Church have done well in spells in the loan striker role, Hunt's work rate and desire could make him the favourite for that position. You need some who can hold the ball up, is good in the air and can find the back of the net - Hunt can do all of those things very well and I think the role would suit him well.


However he is quick to play down his chances of making an immediate impact next season, saying he needs time to rebuild his fitness and strength. 'My knee has been fine. I need to learn how to run again, but so far it`s looking good however I think I will need 10 games to get my strength back.'

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