And striker puts defenders on red alert for Gylfi
SHANE Long is willing to take a penalty at White Hart Lane on Saturday if required - despite being denied by Pepe Reina in Albion’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the weekend.
The Ireland international earned the Baggies two spot-kicks against the Reds – and the rousing support he received from Albion fans after missing the first helped spur him on to win another four minutes later.
The former Reading man allowed Peter Odemwingie the opportunity to slot home the second - but he insists he will not shy away from penalty duty again, given the chance.
The former Reading man allowed Peter Odemwingie the opportunity to slot home the second - but he insists he will not shy away from penalty duty again, given the chance.
“It was sickening but I think it would have affected me more if it had cost us points,” said Long.
“I won two penalties and obviously missing one is upsetting, but I feel like I had a good performance and if it had hit the back of the net I’d have been very happy with my game.
“Hopefully I can get some more chances in my next game and take them when they come.
“The fans know that I give my all for the team and I think they wanted to see me hit the back of the net - their support lifted me straight away.
“You could see me clapping the fans as well as you always know they’re on your side no matter what.
“I’ve learnt that about the West Brom fans as well, whether things are going good or bad, they’re always behind their team.
“They’re always urging you on no matter what."
Long also explained why his penalty went so horribly wrong against the Merseysiders
“I would definitely take another penalty," he added.
“I would definitely take another penalty," he added.
“It’s the first time I’ve missed a penalty in a long time.
“Obviously when you miss one in the Premier League it gets highlighted more.
“I practice them a lot in training and I know my own ability from the spot and obviously I changed my mind right at the last second.
“Halfway through kicking it I tried to stop myself.
“I’ve done it for a year and a half now where I wait for the keeper to move first and then I try to slot it the other side.
“If that had happened on Saturday then everybody would have been saying how calm I’d been under pressure.
“I didn’t feel under pressure at all but Reina called my bluff at the very last second.
“I tried to stop myself but it was too late.”
Long has also put Albion’s defenders on red alert for Gylfi Sigurdsson, after his former Reading team-mate made a big-money move to White Hart Lane from Swansea in the summer.
“He worked a lot on his attributes when he was young and he was always the last person off the training pitch,” he added.
“He was always practicing, especially free-kicks, and it’s working for him.
“He had a good six months at Swansea last year and he came into the public eye.
“Tottenham took notice and he’s a big figure over in Iceland.
“I’ve no doubt he’ll do well but I hope that doesn’t start this Saturday."