Shane Long

Shane Patrick Long is an Irish footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League team West Bromwich Albion and the Republic of Ireland national football team. Long was discovered and brought to Cork City with a scholarship on 1 July 2004 by Pat Dolan. When ready, Long was called hi to the first team squad for the 2005 season. Long signed as a Reading player on 7 June 2005. In Reading's Championship-winning 2005–06 campaign, Long scored three goals in 10 substitute appearances. On 4 July 2007, Long signed an improved four-year contract to keep him at Reading until the end of the 2010–11 season. On 30 January 2010 Long scored a crucial goal at home to strugglers Barnsley which gifted Reading all three points, in a 1–0 win for the Royals. On 9 August 2011, Long signed for Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal, with a further year’s option. Long made his debut on 14 August 2011 in the league opener against Manchester United at home. On 16 October 2011, Long was named man of the match in the Black Country derby, even though he did not score. He was nominated as the Football Association of Ireland Young Player of the Year for 2007. He also played in UEFA Euro 2012, coming off the bench against Croatia and Italy.