Hunt Ready For Chelsea Challenge

Stephen Hunt insists that there will be no added pressure on him ahead of Boxing Day`s game away to Chelsea.

The Irish winger hit the headlines after his exposed collision with Petr Cech and is expecting a backlash from Chelsea fans but is keen to show it won`t affect how he plays:

“I can’t affect the reception I get – all I can affect is what I do on the pitch.’

Hunt was making his Premiership debut when he clashed with Cech leaving the Czech Republic goalkeeper sidelined for up to year. Replacement keeper, Carlo Cudicini, was also downed by Ibrahima Sonko in a freaky coincidence that saw John Terry finish the game in goal for Chelsea.

Looking at the situation with the boot on the other foot so to speak Hunt said wistfully:

“I’m sure if I got a kick then the person coming to Reading would get booed.”

And now he is looking forward to playing at Stamford Bridge despite whatever the fixture may bring,
“Chelsea away is a big game and will be a hostile atmosphere, but that’s good.
‘As a footballer my Christmas is all about games anyway – and you look forward to going to Stamford Bridge whenever it is you go.”

But Hunty is hoping to make his name for his performances rather then his collision with Cech, and hopefully the player will make his name come Boxing Day:

‘I have gone from people not knowing me to everyone knowing who I am. It’s a bit weird but I want to be known for the way I play and not what happened with Petr Cech.’