Dean Saunders: 'Stephen Hunt could play against Leicester City'

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Dean Saunders has revealed that midfielder Stephen Hunt is closing in on a return to first-team action.

The 31-year-old has not played a single minute of Championship football this season due to hip surgery, but after coming through a practice match on Tuesday, Hunt could earn a place on the substitutes' bench for the club's match with Leicester City next Thursday.

Saunders told the Birmingham Mail: "He played 50 minutes in a practice match on Tuesday and did well.

"If he can get through the next week's training – because that will be the test for him – he will be in line for a comeback.

"He has gone from doing nothing to working hard so, if there's no reaction, we will try and get a game for next Monday. We have got a game next Thursday and he might be able to get a game in that."

Hunt has made 44 appearances for Wolves since joining the club in 2010.