Reading’s Shane Long has apologised to his team-mates after being sent off against West Brom which sees him banned for four matches.

Brian McDermott leapt to the defence of Shane Long after the Reading striker was sent off in the 2-2 FA Cup draw against Coca-Cola Championship rivals West Brom.

Brian McDermott believes Shane Long is finally proving his worth, while Paul Mariner has vowed to fight on.

Goals from Shane Long and Brian Howard gave Reading a hard-fought 2-1 Championship victory over Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Royals boss Brian McDermott must decide on who partners Shane Long but he has no new injury concerns for the Doncaster clash.

Reading’s Shane Long says the side must go on a winning streak in their next two matches to pull away from the bottom of the table.

New Reading boss Brian McDermott reserved special praise for matchwinner Shane Long after the 1-0 win over Barnsley.

Shane Long insists Reading were the better team on the night and that penalty
to draw level was correctly awarded.

Shane Long returns for Reading against Bristol City tomorrow after serving a three-match ban and could partner Simon Church in attack.

Reading boss Brendan Rodgers has fit-again Simon Church available again for the home clash with Scunthorpe but Shane Long is out.