Stephen Hunt believes that Adam Idah and young Irish players need to be treated with 'care and respect' by Premier League clubs in order to fulfil their potential.
Hunt joined Off The Ball after Manchester City beat Aston Villa 6-1 in our live commentary match, and attention turned to Adam Idah's debut in unfortunate circumstances against Manchester United.
"As a young lad these days, as to how hard it was? You are making your debut at Old Trafford - it is not hard," said Hunt.
"He is a young boy and he doesn't suffer defeat in the same way that an older, experienced player does.
"He scored a hat-trick during the week. He will come down a little bit off the cloud that he is on, but from Adam Idah's point of view, you get back on the horse and you go again.
"He is an exceptional young talent and there are a lot of them out there."
Hunt gave a word of warning on young Irish prospects like Idah, Aaron Connolly and Troy Parrott.
"It is not easy, holding down a position in any team, either a Premier League or a Championship club. You have to go and you have to be competitive," said Hunt.
"You try and do your best and if your best fails then so be it. That is how I want to see it with the young players in Ireland in the next two or three years; that they are treated with respect and treated with care in the Premier League and the Championship.
"Players all around the world are trying to play in these leagues. So if they are there then they are there for good reason.
"Let them enjoy it and not put too much pressure on them, then hopefully they will come good and fulfil their promise."
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