Garry Monk hails the performance of Sheffield Wednesday youngster Alex Hunt in FA Cup win at QPR

Sheffield Wednesday’s Hunt became the latest Owls youngster to be entrusted with a first team appearance by Garry Monk after making an impact from the bench in their 2-1 FA Cup win at Queens Park Rangers.
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The 19-year-old replaced Sam Hutchinson before the hour and followed the senior man’s example in putting himself about in the midfield and threading play together with some well-placed passes.

The appearance was his second in a first team shirt having made his debut under Jos Luhukay back in August 2018. Hunt signed a contract extension with the club in September, keeping him at Wednesday until 2021, and Monk expressed his pride in how he handled the occasion.

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“I was delighted for him to come on,” aid the manager. “He has been training with us a lot.

“He has been in and around it and in a few squads but for him to get on the pitch was the right thing is another feather in the cap for the academy.”

Hunt was one of three current under-23 players to make the seven-man bench in the capital alongside Osaze Urhoghide and Bulgarian forward Preslav Borukov, who was included in a senior matchday squad for the first time.

Monk has previously spoken about the desire to bring youngsters through to what is the second-oldest side in the league behind Cardiff City.

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“It is all experience for him and young lads being involved,” he said on Hunt’s effort.

Owls boss Garry Monk called on young midfielder Alex Hunt in their 2-1 FA Cup win at QPR.Owls boss Garry Monk called on young midfielder Alex Hunt in their 2-1 FA Cup win at QPR.
Owls boss Garry Monk called on young midfielder Alex Hunt in their 2-1 FA Cup win at QPR.

“We need to move the club forward.

“Young, dynamic, hungry players is what we need to help harness the group that we have.”

Several of the club’s youth players have trained with the first team this season with Monk keen to draw on their ‘no fear’ attitude when needed.

Alongside the QPR trio Ben Hughes has featured on the bench in this campaign.

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He said: “If we can help bring the academy lads and if they are good enough and ready, we will do that. Some are obviously further ahead than others.

“If you get an opportunity, it is about trying to show no fear to put them on the pitch.

“I think all of them have been fantastic and it’s all part of their journey.”