On-loan Hunt on big high

ROB HUNT . . . the defender says the spirit in the Athletic camp is good in the countdown to Saturday's clash at home to Bury

ROB Hunt is brimming with confidence ahead of another crucial fixture in the battle at the bottom of Sky Bet League One.

The on-loan Brighton man (21) has made the left-back spot his own since becoming John Sheridan's second signing after the manager's return to the club.

The defeat at Walsall was only the second Hunt has experienced since establishing himself as a member of the starting XI.

And the defender is looking forward to trying to put things right straight away against fellow relegation candidates Bury, as Athletic bid to improve on a goals record of 23 scored in 36 outings.

ROLE

"It is a massive game and I am looking forward to it," said Hunt, who played an important role in the five-match unbeaten run which preceded the Saddlers loss.

"There are good players here and a good team spirit. Perhaps there wasn't the luck there in the first half of the season and you do need that in football.

"As well though, we are playing well in addition to showing the defensive resilience. We just need that final product and I am sure we will be fine.

"We never get battered by teams and they are always quite even games. To be honest, in the games I have played in we have done quite well against everyone."

Hunt's energetic performances have reportedly drawn the attention of Leeds and Bournemouth, but he says that playing alongside experienced men like Peter Clarke, Anthony Gerrard and Brian Wilson has helped his game.

'TALKING'
"They are always talking on the pitch and with their experience, they are great to learn from," Hunt added. "I have massive respect for them."

As for the future, promotion to the Premier League for his ambitious parent club Brighton could see Hunt's chances of first-team action in the near future reduce further.

For now, though, he is concentrating on impressing as much as he can under Sheridan's charge.

"I will just go back, work as hard as I can and see what their plan is for me," Hunt said. "It's not up to me.

"I signed a new contract to stay until June, 2018.

"It might all depend if they go up and if they decide to bring players in.

"I will see what happens, but I am concentrating on being here first."