Noel Hunt, who joined Reading from Dundee United last week, got off to a flying start with the Royals on Tuesday night by scoring two goals against Swedish side Halmstads.

The first half was scoreless but at the break, Reading manager Steve Coppell made a number of changes and one of those changes was bring on Hunt for Jimmy Kebe.

Hunt, who has linked up with his brother Stephen at the club almost made an instant impact with a header from his right wing position at the back post.

Kevin Doyle took advantage of a mistake by the home goalkeeper to give Reading the lead on 72 minutes and then Noel Hunt took over the goalscoring duties.

He made it 2-0 a minute later, finishing off from inside the six yards box following good work by James Henry and the American international Bobby Convey.

Alexander Prent pulled a goal back for Halmstads on 79 minutes, but back came the superb Noel Hunt; this time finding the net four minutes from time with a header which went in off the underside of the crossbar.

After the game, Steve Coppell said he was thrilled with Noel’s performance.

Stephen, who has been linked with a number of different clubs since Reading’s relegation from the Premier League, also played very well against the top flight Swedes but was booked for `encroachment’ after 12 minutes.