Injured Hunt out of Republic game

Hunt was injured in the Republics draw against Serbia

Hunt sat out both training sessions on Monday and was later released from the Republic squad after getting an examination from the Iris

Hunt sat out both training sessions on Monday and was later released from the Republic squad after getting an examination from the Irish team doctor.

The Reading player has been told that he requires two weeks rest.

Richard Dunne is also a minor fitness doubt for Thursday's Craven Cottage clash because of a foot injury.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni said that Dunne "has a 90 per cent chance of playing".

Trapattoni has also told his Republic player to ignore criticism from pundits, amid suggestions that the presence of former TV analyst Liam Brady in the Italian's backroom team has annoyed some players.

Former Republic manager Brian Kerr made the claim in a newspaper column over the weekend while there have also been allegations that a number of Irish players broke a curfew during the recent training camp in Portugal.

Brady previously worked as a studio pundit for Irish national broadcaster RTE and didn't pull his punches in his assessment of a number of Republic players during his time in that role.

"Liam was a pundit and it is normal to be a critic," said Trapattoni.

"He was a famous player, he was captain of Ireland.

"In Italy there are 20, 30 ex-players who make their work in television.

"Should we all stop playing because they are criticising us?

"If these are the worries we have instead of thinking about going to qualify for the World Cup, it is better we stay at home."

Trapattoni was in relaxed mood when asked about the alleged curfew violation immediately after Saturday's game, insisting he had given the players permission to have a night out after a sponsors' dinner.