STEPHEN Hunt has delivered a clear message to the FAI from within the Republic of Ireland squad. Sign up Giovanni Trapattoni to a new deal as soon as possible and reap rich rewards.

The Hull City winger, as close now as he has ever been to a regular starting role for Trapattoni, has a simply formula for the FAI and it doesn't involve any extensive talks or negotiations.

"I don't know whether they're in talks or what they're doing but he's been good for Ireland," said Hunt without hesitation when asked about the future.

"We're in with a chance of qualifying for a World Cup and to be honest, not many people would have thought that after the last campaign. So he's obviously doing something right and the players are behind him.

"We've got a belief that we can go all the way. We have a difficult game, it's getting to the serious stage of the competition. Hopefully, we can come from behind and nick it on the line."

Sentiments like that show just how much Trapattoni has got under the players' skin and Hunt's in particular. Facing a three-way battle with Damien Duff and Aiden McGeady for two places against Cyprus, he's desperate to play.

"Whoever the manager goes with, the most important thing is the team is together and you back your team-mates if they're picked ahead of you. Then you wish them all the best, hope they do well and that we can get to a World Cup together," he said.

Hunt gathered with the rest of the Irish squad in Portmarnock yesterday for a light session but one notable absentee was Richard Dunne, who is still working out the fine detail of his move to Villa Park.

Martin O'Neill submitted the necessary paperwork to the Premier League before yesterday's transfer deadline but must wait for formal ratification of the £7m deal.

"It's important for our national team that all are players regularly play 90 minutes," said Trapattoni before annoying Villa fans everywhere. "Aston Villa is not famous like Manchester but it is important for his morale that he plays. Because, like Duff, Richard is an important player for us."

Trapattoni will keep his players on edge for the next few days and won't tell them who will play against Cyprus until later in the week.

"I must let all the players fry a little bit longer so they are all ready and charged. Competition is important. Tomorrow, they must read the papers and think, 'we can all play'."

Trapattoni is confident that injury concerns Seán St Ledger and Caleb Folan will be fit to start against Cyprus though both men sat out training yesterday.

- Paul Hyland