Long reveals 'strange' experience

West Brom striker Shane Long has expressed mixed feelings over Albion's victory over Reading at the weekend and has also spoke of his praise for Royals boss Brian McDermott.

The Republic of Ireland international came off the bench for Steve Clarke's side to set up the goal that conceded his former side to their third straight Premier League loss. Shane spent six years at the Madejski Stadium and manager Brian McDermott was crucial in giving the Republic of Ireland international his first opportunity in English football.

Speaking to the Albion's Official website, Long commented: 'It was very strange. When the fixtures came out, that was the game I looked for first. The Reading fans were singing my name but then I had to come on and try to beat them. I'm sure they'll do well this season and I hope they do. I'm still friends with a lot of the lads and the coaching staff.'

Long also spoke about his former manager Brian McDermott, heaping praise onto the 51-year old who gave Long his chance in English football. He added: "When he got the job, I was struggling, I wasn't playing well, but he stuck by me and I managed to score nine or ten goals at the end of that season. He gave me his spare room for two months and he took me under his wing for a while.'

Wiki page: Shane Long

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