Wolves' Stephen Hunt eyes role in West Ham clash

Stephen Hunt today declared he is ready to play some part in Wolves' crunch game against West Ham on Saturday after making his comeback last night.

The £3m Ireland winger sailed through a planned 45 minutes in the reserves' 2-1 defeat to Wigan at Molineux.

Hunt was making his first appearance of any kind since February 20 since suffering a serious foot injury at Hull against Wolves at the end of January.

And the 29-year-old insisted he could play some role against the Hammers.

"The foot felt good and I was happy to get 45 minutes," said Hunt, who underwent surgery exactly six months ago.

"To play 45 minutes was always the plan — I probably could have played for longer.

"I've had a few little niggles but thankfully, they felt alright.

"But the real stuff is on Saturday at 3pm — that pressure is what I really enjoy and hopefully I can have a taste of it this weekend then at Chelsea the following week.

"It would be great to play against West Ham — it's a big game for us after four defeats in a row.

"To play 15-20 minutes on Saturday might not be beyond me.

"If I'm needed to start the game then I'm sure I could, but it's down to the manager.

"Sometimes I think you need that adrenalin rush of playing in the first team to get you really going again.

"I've been used to playing first team football and hopefully I'll be involved on Saturday."

Hunt admitted he has some minor discomfort, adding: "I've been back in full training for a week to 10 days now and I've had a little niggle in my glutes (backside) which has stopped me playing to my maximum.

"It's getting better and if I'm not involved on Saturday, then hopefully I will be the week after.

"I'll be stronger, fitter and better by then."

Hunt showed good movement and looked sharp.

"It went fine - it was just a matter of opening up my lungs and getting used to the runs which I haven't made in a while, as well as my new surroundings," he said.

"I found myself making the runs I normally make and I'm going to get sharper and better as the weeks go on."