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.
The Hunt brothers playing each other for 1st time professionally after Noel came on for Southend – 3-0 up v Coventry who gave Stephen debut.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) January 23, 2016
The fact Stephen is still on the pitch in 1st game in almost 9 months tells you something about the shape he's kept himself in.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) January 23, 2016
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.
Great to get my first start for @Coventry_City gutted about result,great support and nice to get 90 minutes
— stephen hunt (@stephenhunt1010) January 23, 2016
.@boyhunt was the winner today against @stephenhunt1010 as they faced each other for the first time #Southend pic.twitter.com/ShiWBgy49C
— Southend United FC (@SUFCRootsHall) January 23, 2016
Cover pic: Southend United
