Sheffield Wednesday starlet Alex Hunt set for big things after battling David Silva and co in Manchester City clash

Because on top of the adrenaline of making his third first team appearance for Sheffield Wednesday would have been the memory of a moment that ran over and over again.

With just 10 minutes to go, the 19-year-old slid the ball across the City box with Steven Fletcher bounding on. The Scotsman lunged and fell just an inch or two short. Wednesday would have gone to extra time and Alex Hunt would have been a name adorning headlines everywhere.

But it’s already name well known to those around the club. For all the light shone on Osaze Urhoghide at the turn of the year many believe it is Hunt who is the youngster most likely to blaze a trail in the game and nestled under the wing of Barry Bannan he is in safe hands.

Replacing Kieran Lee as he did Sam Hutchinson at QPR in the second round, Hunt put himself about, crashed into a couple of tackles and picked some clever passes.

And it was a cameo enjoyed by Owls boss Garry Monk, who said the performance was the latest step on his development.

“I’ve said it all along about Alex, he’s got a big future and a lot to learn and a long way to go,” Monk said.

“But he’s the type of lad we feel will go a long way. Every moment he’s on the pitch, being with the first team, training and getting minutes when he can, it’s only going to help his progression.

“I’ve worked with a lot of young players and he has a good chance of making a big contribution in his career.”

Hunt battled the likes of David Silva and Bernardo in the City midfield and acquitted himself admirably.

“He’s got a long way to go but nights like tonight will only help him,” Monk said.

“He was very good. He brought a youthfulness and some energy and he helped in those moments towards the end to help us step on.”