Baggies boss hails Long heroics

ROY HODGSON praised the performance of West Brom striker Shane Long after his headed winner in a 2-1 success over Bolton at the Hawthorns.

Albion had feared Long would be out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury but he returned after only a month to turn home Nicky Shorey’s second half cross.

It enabled him to put behind the frustration of missing out on the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 play-off win over Estonia.

Hodgson said: “It was an easy decision when Shane was declared fit because he is a good player and when he doesn’t play, we miss him.

“He can take a lot of credit. He adds a dimension to the way we play. When we win the ball back and get it forward, things build up from him.

Hodgson added: “Long was only touch and go in the sense that doctors advise caution and players and coaches are more adventurous.

“In Long I have the most adventurous of the adventurers. He is Tintin plus!

“Basically speaking, he wanted to play and the doctors made no attempt to stop him playing.”