Stephen Hunt says he was included in Ireland's squad before the European Championships in 2012 because of Giovanni Trapattoni's "loyalty" to him.
Speaking on tonight's Off The Ball Hunt was discussing his time in the Ireland panel and described his relationship with the Italian manager.
"Trap had loyalty to me to a certain degree," he said, "I had done well in the past for him. Was I in good form? No. I was rubbish. But I got in on the performances beforehand.
"I was struggling out there with a groin/hip injury. I thought it was a groin injury and I had surgery but that restricted it more if anything. He had come to watch me for a few games and I had done bang average but he obviously trusted me and what I could do. He made me feel more comfortable and he was loyal to me so obviously I appreciate that."
Kevin Foley had already been in the squad to go to Poland in 2012 and was withdrawn after failing to shake a hamstring injury. Hunt revealed what happened in the direct aftermath.
"What happened with Kev Foley was off the charts out of order. His bags were packed by the players and left outside the door for him. I think you can tell football banter is a little harsh. He took it in good spirits and one or two of the players who did it are probably on the edge now, so it might come back and haunt them."
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