Wolves Hunt wants Hammers return

Last updated : 01 October 2010 By BBC Sport

Stephen Hunt could make his debut for Wolves against West Ham on 16 October after recovering from a broken foot.The trip to Wigan on Saturday will come too soon for the winger, 29, but Hunt told BBC WM that he is hopeful of a return after the international break.

"The physios are saying I'm bang on track," said the Republic of Ireland international. "I've done all of my running in the last couple of weeks.

"I won't be too far away from West Ham and definitely Chelsea the week after."

Hunt has not played since 20 February, ironically against West Ham in a 3-0 defeat for Hull at Upton Park.

He moved to Molineux for an undisclosed fee in June and has had to watch Wolves' first six Premier League matches from the sidelines.

"We had a good start and we've hit a little bit of a stumbling block," added Hunt. "Hopefully the lads can bounce back at Wigan and get back on track.

"We've got a good squad, we just need to get our heads down, work hard and keep believing."

Meanwhile, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has backed another of his summer signings, Jelle Van Damme, after the Belgium international admitted he was struggling to settle in England.

His pregnant wife is currently in Belgium, while a persistent ankle injury has limited him to just three starts and one substitute appearance for his new club.

"He's been asked a question and he's given an honest answer to it," McCarthy told BBC WM.

"He's been injured, which doesn't help. I've been through it because I moved to Lyon and got injured. When you're not in the team, that knocks you a bit.

"And if then your family's not with you, what do you do? Go home and eat a bowl of pasta every night on your tod?

"It's not great and he's said that.

"His focus is getting in the team here, being fit, being settled and being happy at Wolves.

"He loves the club, loves the fans, the lads think the world of him, but sometimes it's a little bit tougher than it should be.

"Just because he's a footballer doesn't mean he can't have the same emotions as everybody else.

"He's a good player and he had his first 90 minutes in the reserves on Monday night, so that will be good for him."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport