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Stephen Hunt ready for big chance

Stephen Hunt looks set to win his chance to impress new Wolves boss Dean Saunders.

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The £3m winger was hoping for his first glimpse of Championship action of the season today against Blackpool, with Saunders planning another practice game for him on Monday.

Hunt has been out for four months with a long-term hip complaint which required surgery and, with his contract up at the end of the season, is anxious to impress the new Molineux chief.

The Ireland international rejoined full training at the start of the week and Saunders was immediately struck by the 31-year-old's effort and commitment.

"Hunt is one of those players who's naturally fit – he likes running about and he's really enthusiastic," said Saunders.

"I don't think he's ready to start a game – he played 50 minutes in a practice match and he did well.

"He's a good character around the building, he's a good character on the pitch, he likes working hard and he wants to be part of the team.

"He's a good lad so I'm pleased he's back out training but I just hope he can get through the next week's training because that will be the test for him.

"He's gone from doing nothing to working hard so I'd imagine we'll try to get a game for him on Monday if there's no reaction."

Saunders almost winced when he saw Hunt buzzing around the training pitches.

"He can't cruise and take it easy – five minutes the session on Tuesday, he sprinting the length of the pitch in a counter attack," he said.

"I was cringing watching him, thinking 'steady on, it's your first day back'.

"You can't hold him back."

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