Hull City 2 Wolverhampton 2: Brown praises in-demand Hunt

The two relegation rivals could not be separated on the field in an absorbing, if ridiculously error-ridden contest at the

KC Stadium as the Tigers were twice pegged back after taking the lead.

But, come the time the transfer window is due to slam shut this tea-time, Hahnemann believes whichever club has Stephen Hunt in their squad will have seized the initiative between the pair in the battle to stay up.

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The Republic of Ireland International is at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two clubs with Wolves having last week had a third bid, of 4m, turned down by Hull.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is expected to make one last attempt to prise Hunt away from the East Riding and Hahnemann, a team-mate of the Hull wideman for four years at Reading, is hoping his manager proves successful.

The USA international goalkeeper said: "We would love to have Hunty at Wolves. I don't know if we are going to see him or not, but he would be a great asset.

"Just look how well he played. He works so incredibly hard, he is full of energy, and if you need a role model for anyone just watch how hard he works for 90 minutes. It is not just industry with him, there is a lot of quality as well.

"Whichever side ends up with Stephen Hunt after 5pm on Monday will have a great chance of survival because he is someone you want in your side.

"I am not saying the other side won't survive, but you would want him around."

Hahnemann's sentiment is understandable with Hunt having undoubtedly been the success story of Hull's season following his 3.5m move from the Madejski Stadium last summer.

His six goals, the latest being a 52nd-minute penalty against Wolves that should have been enough to claim all three points, represent more than a quarter of Hull's tally.

It is not just in front of goal, though, where Hunt's influence is keenly felt with his appetite for hard work and tenacity being a shining example of what the Tigers will need to escape the bottom three come the season's end.

No wonder Phil Brown sees holding onto the 28-year-old beyond today's deadline as imperative, the Tigers' manager answering a post-match enquiry of 'will Hunt still be at the club on Tuesday and will he play against Chelsea?' with a firm "yes and yes".

With record signing Jimmy Bullard due to return from injury against Manchester City on Saturday, Brown's desire to keep hold of Hunt is understandable as having two proven attacking performers in tandem will surely give his side a fighting chance of staying up.

What will also have to happen, however, if the Tigers are to beat the odds for a second consecutive season, is for the defensive howlers that handed Wolves a point to be eradicated.

After having taken a deserved lead courtesy of a fine 20-yard finish by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink on 11 minutes, Hull were firmly in control when the half-time whistle blew.

However, within four minutes of the restart, two major blunders had gifted Mick McCarthy's men a way back into the game.

First, Hunt inexplicably opted to try to keep the ball in play when he was clearly heading at least five yards beyond the touchline.

It allowed the ball to be worked to Ronald Zubar who drilled a low cross from the right flank that Anthony Gardner made a complete hash of clearing, his mis-cue leaving Boaz Myhill helpless in the home goal.

The own goal was a soft affair but Hull responded admirably to restore their advantage within three minutes.

Bernard Mendy was the catalyst with a typically powerful run down the right before he sent over a cross that Wolves could only partially clear. Jozy Altidore then tried to shield the ball, a move that Zubar saw as justification for barging clumsily into the back of the USA international.

Referee Mike Dean quite rightly pointed straight to the spot and Hunt made no mistake with the resulting penalty.

On 67 minutes, Altidore had a great chance to put the game beyond Wolves but shot straight at Hahnemann after racing clear of Jody Craddock.

It proved a costly miss as, just 60 seconds later, the visitors were level again after more slack play from Gardner was capitalised on by Matt Jarvis who drilled a shot beyond Myhill to ensure honours ended even.

MATCH FOCUS

Hero: Tom Cairney

An accomplished Premier League debut in the centre of midfield for the teenager. He clearly has an eye for a pass and looks comfortable on the ball.

Villain: Anthony Gardner

A sloppy attempted clearance gifted Wolves their first equaliser, while the visitors' second was also a result of poor distribution from the Hull captain.

Key moment: 68th minute

Instead of heeding the crowd's advice and clearing his lines, Gardner chose to try to beat an opponent before attempting a clearance that went straight to Wolves. Five seconds later, the score was 2-2.

Ref watch

Mike Dean: Got the penalty decision right with Ronald Zubar guilty of a challenge so ridiculous that even Mick McCarthy had to laugh about it after the game.

Verdict

A missed opportunity for Hull who may be left to rue this result come the season's end. On this evidence, both clubs have a massive fight on their hands to stay up.

Quote of the day

I thought it was the worst decision I have seen in a long time for the penalty ... by Ronald Zubar.

– Mick McCarthy shows expert comic timing when asked about Hull City's second goal.

Next game

Hull City v Chelsea; tomorrow, 7.45pm; Premier League.

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