Bring on Spain in Euro 2012 draw, says lovable loon Hunt

We’d all love to pluck one of co-hosts Poland or Ukraine in Friday evening’s Euro 2012 draw. Well, most of us - Ireland star Stephen Hunt, though, is keeping his fingers crossed for a big date with World and European champions Spain.

Hunt was speaking on Newstalk’s Off The Ball show tonight, which came live from the No Name bar on Fade Street, Dublin.

It was a joint-interview with his younger bro and fellow Ireland international Noel, who it seems put his head in his hands at the elder Hunt’s apparent Euro 2012 death wish.

And why does the Wolves man fancy a clash with Xavi, Iniesta & Co next summer? Because Ireland always deliver most when least expected.

“Underdogs,” he said in a one-word reply to incredulous questioning from host Eoin McDevitt, before expanding on his somewhat unconvincing logic. “We always do better when we’re underdogs.”

Hunt is right – we generally revel in the role of underdogs. But still, we’d all prefer a game against a Poland side 45 places below us in the world rankings and a few comfy days sampling the delights of Warsaw without fearing a tonking from the best international side of the last 40 years, right?

Whichever way the draw goes, you should really join us to follow it all as a load of balls are plucked from plexiglass bowls by overweight former professional footballers in suits.

The draw takes place at 5pm on Friday, and we'll be keeping you updated throughout the day.