No blood spilled this time as Stephen and Noel Hunt make Irish footballing history

Stephen Hunt is back playing professional football and is settling into life at his new surroundings at Coventry City.

The Waterford man featured for his new club this afternoon for the first time as they faced Southend in League One. Hunt has been out of work since being relased by Ipswich last May, but the former Ireland winger has been keeping himself fit and lasted the full 90 minutes of today's 3-0 loss to the Shrimpers. But what was unusual, and has caught our eye, is the fact that Noel Hunt, Stephen's brother, also featured for Southend this afternoon. Brothers have often played each other before, and the Hunt's often featured together on the same starting XI at Reading and Ipswich, but it's the first time that the two ex-Ireland internationals faced off against each other in a professional game. https://twitter.com/noriordan/status/690938404251549696 https://twitter.com/noriordan/status/690938957002063872 Earlier this week Noel admitted that he was looking forward to the chance of facing Stephen, as the last time they were on opposing teams, the game ended in a fight as he explained to the Southend Echo.

"The last time we were in opposing teams we ended up having a fight with each other and both got red cards. “To make matters even worse it was our dad who was the referee! “It was a long time ago now, we were kids back in Ireland but I think it’s because of that passion that we probably both ended up going on to play professionally. “We haven’t actually played each other since then so but we’re really close so I’m sure it wouldn't happen again if we do end up going head to head on Saturday.”

We can confirm no blood was shed this afternoon. https://twitter.com/stephenhunt1010/status/690957036625006592 https://twitter.com/SUFCRootsHall/status/690984775155326976 Cover pic: Southend United