Hodgson joy as Long a Baggie

WEST BROM manager Roy Hodgson believes Shane Long’s “attitude” will ensure he fulfils his potential at the Baggies.

As expected, the Republic of Ireland striker finally completed his move from Reading to West Brom for an undisclosed fee believed to be worth an initial £4.5 million (€5.1m), rising to a possible £6.5m (€7.4m) with add-ons.

The former Cork City striker has signed an initial three-year contract with the option for a further year.

West Brom beat off competition from Newcastle, Everton, Celtic, West Ham and Leicester City to win the race for the 24-year-old’s signature and Hodgson believes his latest addition — the sixth of a busy summer — will make a big impact at The Hawthorns in the coming years.

“Shane is one of the most talented young strikers outside of the Premier League and I’m delighted to welcome him to the club,’’ Hodgson said. “He is a goalscorer and a hard-working player who has a very good attitude to the game.

“The great thing about him is that even though he is still only 24, he has six years’ worth of experience of Premier League, Championship and international football and has margin for improvement in his game.

“We now hope to see him fulfil that potential over the next few years at West Bromwich Albion.

“Many other clubs have shown an interest in Shane and it is great that we managed to acquire his services.’’

Long enjoyed his most prolific campaign last season, scoring 25 times in 51 appearances for Reading. However the Royals’ defeat to Swansea in the Championship play-off final meant they missed out on promotion, a failure that ultimately made Long’s departure inevitable.

Reading boss Brian McDermott said West Brom were getting a ‘‘great talent’’ and Long deserved to be playing in the top flight.

‘‘West Bromwich Albion and Roy Hodgson are very lucky to get Shane and I’m sure their fans will see what a great talent he is and how hard he’ll work for the team,’’ McDermott said.

“He loves the club, he was in no way looking to leave the club, he’s gone into the Premiership, there was interest from the Championship as well, but it was right for him to play in the Premiership and that’s where he’s going.’’

Reading chairman John Madejski added: “Water will always find its own level, and nobody can deny a talented young player the opportunity to play at the highest level when they have the ability to do so.

“Had we won (the play-off final) at Wembley, I have no doubt Shane would still be playing for Reading, but we wish him great luck.”

Long, selected to start in Ireland’s friendly against Croatia at Aviva Stadium tonight, will train with West Brom for the first time on Friday and be in contention for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester United at The Hawthorns.