WANDERERS defender Nicky Hunt is hoping to be fit for both England U21s qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday and his club's vital Premiership game at Liverpool on Saturday.

Hunt collapsed in agony clutching his knee in stoppage time during Friday nights draw with Germany at Hull.

But the injury is not as bad as first feared, being diagnosed as a dead leg, and the defender is expected to be fit for the two games next week.

Three weeks ago Hunt escaped an expected long lay-off when he recovered quickly from a dislocated shoulder received against Newcastle.

Under-21 boss Peter Taylor. however, will be without Glen Johnson for the clash with Azerbaijan after the defender received a needless booking.

The 20-year-old was given a yellow card for dissent after the visitors opened the scoring at the KC Stadium in the UEFA Under-21 Championship Group Six qualifier. Stefan Kiessling's opener stood, despite Johnson's protests of a foul in the build-up, but the hosts hit back through goals from strike-duo Darren Bent and Dean Ashton.

With a win in sight, a calamitous clearance from goalkeeper Scott Carson landed at the feet of Roberto Hilbert and the substitute finished coolly to ensure Germany stayed top of the group on goal difference.

Johnson, one of Taylor's most experienced players, will now be suspended for Tuesday's match at the Riverside, with England's squad also hit by injuries.

"Glen was disappointed it was not a foul on the halfway line," Taylor said.

"It was an area of the pitch where we were taking a bit of a chance but I did actually think it was a foul.

"I was disappointed not to get the free-kick, and it was a little frustrating for Glen so he asked the referee. Unfortunately it was a booking."

Skipper Gary O'Neil received a cut under his eye and is now doubtful for the Azerbaijan clash.

Newcastle midfielder James Milner also suffered a cut, but along with Hunt, could be fit.

"I must admit it was amazing seeing the people go down," Taylor added. "But that's where the character in the team did well because some of their set pieces we had to put our heads in and defend well."

Despite Johnson's booking and the injury doubts, Taylor was still encouraged by his side's performance.

"I thought our wide players were exciting and front two did ever so well and caused them problems," Taylor said.

"They were very pleasing and I was really happy with the way they played."