Hunt: Premier league football can help Irish call

Reading striker Noel Hunt hopes that proving himself in the Premier League will put him on the radar for a Republic of Ireland call-up.

The 28-year old was not selected in Giovanni Trapattoni's 23 man squad for EURO 2012, but Hunt still remains ambitious he can win a place back in his squad if he proves himself in the Premier League. Hunt has only played once under the Italian in October 2009, finding Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Kevin Doyle, Simon Cox and Jon Walters ahead of him in the pecking order.

Speaking to Jonny Fordham of the Reading Post, Hunt said: 'I get along with the Ireland manager really well, but I was out for a while and then didn`t get a look-in so it makes sense that he sticks with the squad he has. He`s a fair man and if it was the other way round and I had been in the squad and then someone else came in I would be a bit gutted.'

'I didn`t watch the announcement as I knew I wouldn't be in there. [The Ireland squad] I think Premier League football next season will help me with Ireland. It`s the biggest stage in the world to be playing on. I'm looking to get myself stronger and quicker for the new season.'

The former Dundee United forward has played a big part in Reading's Championship winning season this year, playing in 41 games and scoring eight goals in the process. He also formed a fantastic partnership with Jason Roberts in the latter stages of the season, one that is likely to continue into our Premier League campaign in three months time.

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