There's a guy named Shane Long? Amazing, that was my alias when I made movies out in California!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot..._1/8001908.stm
A double for Long last night. Incredibly if Reading win at the wkd and Sheff United dont, Reading will be automatically promoted, which considering the Irish contingent present there can only be welcomed.
Yes Reading have given themselves a decent chance, they are 5/4 for promotion,
Birmingham 4/6 and Shefield 5/6. Wll be a very tense final day for all. Two headers from Long second one was good one.
The second one was more than just good. Shane made it look easy but it was a powerful header perfectly placed. If I can find a clip of it I will post it.
The first goal was off a perfect cross from Jimmy Kebe. Shane buried it though. But the second was a nice piece of skill.
He had a really good game all round, from start to finish.
From the Reading Evening post (linked from the bbc article above):
Now I've never been a huge fan of Long's but if he could step up and start producing regularly then he'd be a big asset to us as backup to Doyle/KeaneIt was no more than the Republic of Ireland striker deserved for another cracking display.
He has had to play understudy pretty much since he arrived as a rookie from Cork City three years ago, but he now looks like he is finally coming of age.
"Well I think they'll be a little disappointed with that" - Matt Holland on TV3 after 5-2 drubbing by Cyprus
Although it's still be a square peg in a round hole, Long is far better suited to RHM than Keogh. He played well there as a late sub against Poland and did well when drawn wide last night.
No great finesse defensively but quick to track back and put the foot in. I think it's fair to say that in his forward role he defended from the front, chasing and harrying the GK and CBs in possession. I'd still prefer a natural RHM though.
But it wasn't only work rate and attitude, he also played very well with nice touches and showed plenty skill.
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
Yeah, I was hugely impressed. The guy looked a genuinely talented and pacy player. I love it on those rare occasions a young Irish player looks like the real deal and Monday night was one of those.
I am really looking forward to Sunday to see if he can continue his red-hot form.
Last edited by theworm2345; 30/04/2009 at 2:34 AM.
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
If Reading get promoted, how will their striker force look?
starting every match if fit: Doyle/Kitson
first sub: Noel Hunt
second sub: Shane Long
am I way off the mark here?
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