Hunt wants Venables as Ireland boss

Stephen Hunt would welcome any attempt to lure Terry Venables as Republic of Ireland manager.

The midfielder has heard good reports about the former England boss and current number two to Steve McClaren from Reading team-mate Nicky Shorey, who has worked under Venables at international level.

Like McClaren, Venables could find himself out of a job if England fail to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

And the Republic, currently preparing for Saturday's European Championship qualifier against Wales, are looking for a new manager following Steve Staunton's recent departure.

'A new man will bring in fresh ideas,' Hunt said. 'And if you spend big, I suppose, like anything, you get big.

'Venables has been mentioned and all the players seem to have a lot of respect for him.

'That's important. Nicky seems to like him. He was a bit unlucky when he coached Australia, but he'd be a good man to have.'