Shane Long

**Crosby87** · 13/03/2009, 9:21 PM

There's a guy named Shane Long? Amazing, that was my alias when I made movies out in California!

**Scram** · 16/03/2009, 2:00 PM

Originally Posted by Crosby87

There's a guy named Shane Long? Amazing, that was my alias when I made movies out in California!

**elroy** · 27/04/2009, 9:31 PM

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.

**tricky_colour** · 27/04/2009, 9:51 PM

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.

**seahawk** · 28/04/2009, 5:18 AM

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.

**Stuttgart88** · 28/04/2009, 8:08 AM

He had a really good game all round, from start to finish.

**OwlsFan** · 28/04/2009, 9:30 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

He had a really good game all round, from start to finish.

Yes, right from the start he was buzzing and as the commentator stated, even if he hadn't scored the two goals he would still have been the motm.

**Dr. Ogba** · 28/04/2009, 10:51 AM

From the Reading Evening post (linked from the bbc article above):

It 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.

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/Keane

**Stuttgart88** · 28/04/2009, 11:29 AM

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.

**Yard of Pace** · 28/04/2009, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

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.

What's his defensive play like? I'd certainly be happy seeing Long come on if we're in need of a goal. He's quick, eager, and seems well capable of taking a chance. Delighted things are finally coming good for him at Reading.

**Stuttgart88** · 28/04/2009, 9:28 PM

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.

**seahawk** · 29/04/2009, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by OwlsFan

Yes, right from the start he was buzzing and as the commentator stated, even if he hadn't scored the two goals he would still have been the motm.

Agreed, motm even without the goals. Tireless work-rate and a great attitude. Many players would have complained in the media about not getting a chance but Shane just put his head down and worked hard. Great lad!

**OwlsFan** · 29/04/2009, 10:55 AM

But it wasn't only work rate and attitude, he also played very well with nice touches and showed plenty skill.

**Stuttgart88** · 29/04/2009, 11:33 AM

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.

**seahawk** · 29/04/2009, 11:31 PM

I am really looking forward to Sunday to see if he can continue his red-hot form.

**theworm2345** · 30/04/2009, 2:32 AM

Originally Posted by seahawk

I am really looking forward to Sunday to see if he can continue his red-hot form.

3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

Actually upon further review 6 of his 9 goals this season have come against the three bottom teams

**Colbert Report** · 30/04/2009, 3:33 AM

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?

**Stuttgart88** · 30/04/2009, 7:56 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

You obviously decided to ignore the posts that said that even without the goals he was superb. I suppose there's no culture of qualitative assessment of performance over your way though.

**OwlsFan** · 30/04/2009, 8:22 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

Actually upon further review 6 of his 9 goals this season have come against the three bottom teams

He's scoring in a Reading team which has been struggling of late. Some credit for that perhaps? Also his overall performance was excellent. Let's hope it continues.

**tetsujin1979** · 30/04/2009, 9:27 AM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

Actually upon further review 6 of his 9 goals this season have come against the three bottom teams

it's 3 goals in his last 8 games, but it's also 6 in his last 12 (that includes a 2 braces against Charlton and Norwich)