Reading and Republic of Ireland striker Noel Hunt may miss the rest of the 2008/09 season after recently breaking a bone in his leg. The injury is not classified as serious but Reading boss Steve Coppell is not optimistic the striker will be available to him again this year.

Reading are still in the running for an automatic promotion place into the English Premier League but face the nerve wracking play offs if they fail to overtake Birmingham in their closing two league games.

The injury makes Hunt a major doubt for Ireland’s end of season games – including the World Cup qualifier away to Bulgaria on 6th June.