Stephen Hunt has spoken of his despair at how Euro 2012 turned out for him and shed some light on the squad disharmony under Giovanni Trapattoni during that period. Writing in the Irish Independent today, Hunt tells some fantastic tales of the riotous night enjoyed by the squad in Krystle nightclub after qualification was secured for the European Championships and brilliantly describes David Forde as "Clark Kent".
Hunt's column is an illuminating look at the struggles and sacrifices he made and his unease at the rise of James McClean before Ireland headed to Poland and the Ukraine. Ultimately the piece ends sadly as Hunt tries to describe what it was like to be an unused substitute during the biggest tournament of his career.
Wherever I go, I tell people I'm unbreakable. I made it the hard way. I joke to my wife, if you ever want to get rid of me, you'll have to kill me. But the European Championships were different.
The European Championships came close to breaking me.
