Stephen Hunt is hoping to impress Giovanni Trappatoni in the Italian's first game as Ireland boss this weekend.

Trappatoni's charges take on Serbia in Dublin this Saturday, kick off 7:30pm, and Hunt wants to cement his place under the new boss' regime.

The winger told readingfc.co.uk, "It's an exciting time for Ireland and I have to impress the new manager.

"Relegation will obviously be in the back of my head, but I'm looking forward to the games, it will help with giving me something to focus on again. I'm lucky in that respect.

"The games are massive for Ireland, there is a big focus on it from the Irish people because it's the new manager's first games.

"I'm looking forward to being a part of this squad, there are a lot of young players in there, so it will be good fun."

Kevin Doyle and Shane Long are also part of the squad, and Long is hopeful of being fit after picking up a slight injury this week and missing training.

The Irish then play Colombia at Craven Cottage next Wednesday night, and Hunt gets married a day later.

At our bookmakers Bet365, Ireland are 7/5 favourites and Serbia 7/4. The draw is 21/10.