Stephen Hunt has insisted he is ready for a Wolves recall – as he warned the Republic of Ireland to write off Robbie Keane at their peril.

The 29-year-old winger is finally close to full fitness after recovering from a troublesome calf problem that has seen him out of contention eight weeks, after he was injured in the fourth round FA Cup defeat to Stoke City on January 30.

And Hunt is using the two fortnight break between games to sharpen up before a possible comeback in the reserves at Blackpool next Wednesday, along with fellow long-term casualty Adlene Guedioura.

Hunt said: “We didn’t realise how serious it was until the third or fourth week when we discovered it was a grade two tear. But I’m back training and fit now so it’s up to the gaffer as to when I’m involved.

“I feel as fresh as a daisy now and looking forward to being back. If I do get back for the last eight games then I’ll be hoping to make a good contribution and maybe even get a few goals.

“I couldn’t play in the last 15 or so games for Hull last season when they were relegated which is why I’m so keen to get back for Wolves.”

Hunt’s absence also means he misses Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia tomorrow night.

Question marks have arisen in some quarters about Ireland’s selection of captain and former Wolves sensation Robbie Keane.

Now 30, Keane lost his place at Tottenham and is belatedly gaining regular football on loan at West Ham after recovering from injury.

But Hunt insists the former Molineux golden boy should not be written off.

He said: “You don’t have to look past his goalscoring record and his caps for Ireland to know his value to the squad. I’m sure one day he will be replaced, but right now he’s earned his place in the team.

“Without a doubt Keane’s been the best player in Ireland’s history in terms of goalscoring and the excitement he brought to the fans when he first came on the scene.

“Don’t forget when we needed him, like against France, he popped up to score.”

As for tomorrow night’s game, Hunt warned Macedonia should not be under-estimated.

He said: “They’ll be a handful, there are no easy games in the qualifying stages. We have got to concentrate on this match and get the three points.

“And the game over there on June 4 won’t be easy because it will be hot there and they’re used to the temperature.”