Hunty's Column: Best & Worst International Reading FC Players

It's been a great few weeks for Reading in the league, with us now sitting fourth and momentum building into the winter months. There seems a great spirit in the squad and we're starting to keep a few clean sheets so long may that continue.

But now it's time for another International break so I asked myself who would feature in an XI made up of Reading players who won caps for their country?

Goalkeeper

We've been lucky to have plenty of experienced Internationals who've played a big part in recent successes. Adam Federici and Marcus Hahnemann are both worthy choices but for me it's got to be Trinidad and Tobago's Super Shaka Hislop for his sheer presence and calmness.

Right-Back

It's a straight choice between inspirational 106 skipper Graeme Murty who earned Scotland honours and Wales' Chris Gunter. For me it has to be Gunter, as to have played 76 times for your country says it all about his consistency fitness and reliability.

Central Defenders

Again, so many worthy of mention, including Ivar Ingimarsson and Zurab Khizanishvilli, who were both good players and great leaders but the two I've gone for are Ady Williams and Dariusz Wdowczyk. They're the two calming influences this team needs but would also be capable of leading from the front.

Left-Back

A couple of outstanding candidates here, with England's Nicky Shorey a worthy choice but instead I'm going for Ireland's Ian Harte. He was the king of set pieces and even in te twilight of his career was a pleasure to watch, creating and scoring so many important goals in our promotion campaign of 2011/12.

Central Midfield

Danny Williams & Mikele Leigertwood served their countries well but it would be the Icelandic pairing of 'Brynaldo' Gunnarsson & Gylfi Siggurdsson, Mr Calm & Mr Creative pulling the strings.

Wingers

Guys like Tony Rougier, Jobi McAnuff & Stephen Hunt were regulars for their countries whilst John Salako made a few appearances in a very poor England team in the early 1990's. But getting the nod for me are two of our most creative, if not the most consistent players, Bobby Convey who really shone through the promotion season of 2006 and Garath McCleary who is as at last showing his ability on a more consistent basis.

Forwards

Up front there are plenty of options, Shaun Goater & the great Jimmy Quinn scored regularly for their countries but I'd go for two players who were unheard of when they arrived at Reading in a combined deal worth £80,000, Kevin Doyle & Shane Long.

So that's my team right now but who says that one day we won't see the likes of Swift and Moore playing for England?

As for my worst international 11 to play for us, the names are enough to highlight the guilty!

1. Nick Colgan (ROI)
2. Martin Keown (ENG)
3. Zat Knight (ENG)
4. Alan Maybury (ROI)
5. Darren O'Dea (ROI)
6. Ray Houghton (ROI)
7. Mass Sarr (LIB)
8. Royston Drenthe (NETH)
9. Les Ferdinand (ENG)
10. Gunner Heidar Porvasson  (yes him) (ICE)
11. Andy McLaren (SCO)

Football is a funny old game

Have a great week,

Hunty