Defender Hunt was given his full Premiership debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season and has only missed one game since.
The 23-year old winger Smith, who has waited patiently in the wings for his chance beleives that the chance given to Hunt can give the younger players at the club more hope that they will make the breakthrough to first team level in Sam Allardyce's squads.
"He's done very well" Smith told the clubs official site
"He was put in the deep end against Manchester United and has gone on from there. He's played well in every game since and no one can get him out at the moment"
"Its good for players like us that he is in the team because it should give us confidence. He's got his chance and has taken it so if that happens to us then we will take it as well" added the former Hartlepool United player.
Smith joined the club in 2001 following spells in Non-League Football with Bishop Auckland and Barrow but he has found chances few and far between, his main games for the club have come in the cup competitions, he played well notably in the home FA Cup tie against Sunderland last season but his only Premiership game to date was as a substitute against West Ham United on the final day of the 2001-2002 season. He can play in the left wing or left wing back positions and will be pushing the likes of Ricardo Gardner and Simon Charlton should he get an opportunity.
Since Sam Allardyce's arrival at the club he hasn't been afraid to give youth players a chance. Kevin Nolan, Dean Holden, Wayne Buchanan, Chris Downey, Nicky Hunt, Cleveland Taylor have all been given chances at first team level.