Ireland international hopeful ahead of Saints trip
SHANE Long says his team-mates have enjoyed a boost in confidence following a positive run of results in the Barclays Premier League over the festive period.
The Baggies backed up successive draws against Hull, Tottenham and West Ham with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle in front of a sell-out crowd at The Hawthorns on New Year’s Day.
And Long hopes Albion’s well-rested squad can build on their league form when they head to Southampton on Saturday (ko 3pm).
“We’ve had a good Christmas and new year period with the draws and a win,” said Long.
“The confidence is back.
“Football is about picking up points.
“We’ll train hard going into the Southampton game.
“A lot of the lads had five games in 15 days.
“A bit of a rest this week going into that game will hopefully do them good.
“They’re a good side and they play good football.
“We really went for it and caused them all sorts of problems when we won 3-0 there last season.
“We can take confidence from that.
“Hopefully we can come away with another win.
“I think we will cause them problems.
“We have to turn up on the day, create more clear cut chances, and put them away.”