Stephen Hunt: Coventry City sign former Republic international

Stephen Hunt won 39 caps for the Republic of Ireland

Coventry have signed former Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt on a short-term contract.

The 34-year-old ex-Crystal Palace, Brentford, Reading, Hull City, Wolves and Ipswich Town player is the second experienced former international to join the Sky Blues inside 24 hours.

He follows the lead of Aston Villa's Joe Cole, also 34, who has completed a deal until the end of the season.

And boss Tony Mowbray has added further knowhow in defender Peter Ramage, 32.

Hunt, who was a free agent after being released by Ipswich last summer, had been training with City for a week.

"I'm sure he'll be a positive influence in the dressing room," said manager Tony Mowbray.

"He could maybe help some of our players with his experience. He has fantastic pedigree, both in the Premier League and at international level, and will give us another valuable option."

Hunt's route to the Ricoh Arena

Hunt has played 472 matches in a career that began with three substitute appearances in three seasons at Crystal Palace in 1998 before moves to Brentford, Reading and Hull City, followed by five years under Mick McCarthy, first with Wolves, then at Ipswich Town.

Hunt played in the Premier League with Reading, Hull and Wolves, suffering relegation three times in four seasons. After joining his old Wolves boss McCarthy at Ipswich, he made 38 appearances in two years at Portman Road before leaving last summer.

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