Reading FC

Shane Long has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial World Cup play-off against France tomorrow

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Shane Long out of World Cup play-off

By Matthew Sadler
November 12, 2009

Shane Long has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial World Cup play-off against France tomorrow.

The striker aggravated an ankle injury in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich, but is expected to be in contention for Reading’s game with Blackpool a week tomorrow.

The news has come as a big blow to the former Cork City player who had looked set to make the bench after injuries ruled out Royals team-mate Noel Hunt and Caleb Folan.

Long said: “The timing of it all is unfortunate, but I had to get an injection in my ankle and it needs to recover, but I’ll go over to watch the game on Saturday and give them my full support.

“I had the injury eight weeks ago and it has been aggravated every week, but I have been playing through it. “It has got to the stage now where I have to do something about it and so I’ve pulled out of the Ireland squad to get it treated to make sure I am fit for the Blackpool game.

“Hopefully things go to plan and I will be back in training Monday or Tuesday and ready for Saturday.”

Long has been mainly used as an impact player off the bench since he joined Reading in 2005 and the forward insists he is happy to bide his time if it means Royals are getting the results.

He said: “I want to play every game that I can, but Grzegorz (Rasiak) and (Simon) Church are playing well at the minute together and it is difficult to get into the side. I am just trying to make as much of an impact as I can when I get off the bench.

“Whoever is scoring goals deserves to be playing and Grzegorz scored two a couple of games ago and Churchy got a goal at the weekend, so they deserve to be playing.

“I haven’t got off the mark yet this season, but hopefully once I get my ankle sorted I will be at full fitness to score goals and get back into the side.

“I’ve been hampered by the injury and been trying to make the most of it, but when I am fully fit I can get back to what I do which is scoring goals.”

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ajr111

Think Mills is good and am confused why we spent 2 mill if he isn't going to play - may as well play him up front !!

Robsy , Reading
13/11/2009 at 12:26

So, with Bignall and Antonio out on loan, Hunt and Long injured, we only have Church and Rasziak as recognised strikers. Interestingly, Brenda recently said that Rasziak really struggles to play 2 games in a week.

What a well run club we are.

In his interview with BBCRB this morning, SJM said that there will be little or no money available for incoming players in January, but we are still aiming for promotion and we have a "great squad", and should all "rally round the club"

So, joining the dots up, the only way to bolster our stiking capability is to sell first. Bye, Marek.

ray northstander
13/11/2009 at 09:51

Very valid point by HARB.

I'm concerned by injuries, that is about 12 players now that are out, can't remember this before. We used to have a fit squad with pace...

Thomas Jerome Newton, Reading
12/11/2009 at 22:49

Well it is coming to a point now where the club has to start geting some good quality players. JM wake up smell the coffee mate its falling down around you, the empire you built. May be he is putting the money some where else? It makes you wonder.

Expom, Christchurch New Zealand
12/11/2009 at 21:31

Maybe we should sign Michael Gilkes, he still looks a class act compared to what we have at the moment

readingroyal, North Devon
12/11/2009 at 21:26

Unbelievable!! We now find out that not only was Noel Hunt carrying an injury, which has now ruled him out for the rest of the season but that Shane Long was also not fully fit.

The Chairman's cloth cutting is turning the club into a joke. How can he expect any manager to be successful when all he has been given to work with is cheap and/or broken tools?!

HARB
12/11/2009 at 17:16

Good news for Ireland then.Lets face it i had more chance of getting on the pitch and scoring on Saturday than Long ever did.

AlWestie
12/11/2009 at 16:35

i have never rated him, if he is to succeed in pro football he should try taking the lead out of his boots, his first touch is awful i've seen better over the park and he might even be able to move a bit

he should have been shipped out on loan but i think the harsh reality is know one would take him he is that bad ...

FRED BAINES
12/11/2009 at 15:48

i think thats a little harsh on mills,give him some time. i think pearce is s***, but every one seems to rate him,and he hasn't had to move his family to a new area to settle.

as for shi*e long, why would any one want him on loan, he was only bought in the first place as doyleys mate, to help him settle in quicker.coppell couldn't loan him out 'cos of upsetting the 'irish mafia' he created for himself (that was his big mistake).

ajr111, swindon
12/11/2009 at 14:07

Two fit strikers! Need to get a loan and quick or is that what we bought Matt Mills for coz he sure as s*** isn't playing centre back ....£2million grumble grumble......

Robsy , Reading
12/11/2009 at 12:47

Totally agree, Bushes.

ray northstander
12/11/2009 at 12:21

We should have sent Long out on loan as soon as we got him, one of the biggest mistakes Coppell made. I think its too late now.

Bushes Bernal, Reading
12/11/2009 at 11:09

very true i agree, i think it would do shane long the world of good going out on loan!!!

Monkity, Reading
12/11/2009 at 10:51

is there a reason why long has never been out on loan??? we've sent far better out. Surely we aren't worried about losing him....he can't hit a cow's arce with a double bass.