Hands off Long, warns Brom boss

West Brom manager Steve Clarke has warned interested clubs that in-form striker Shane Long “isn’t going anywhere” during the January transfer window.

Six-goal leading scorer Long has been in inspired form for the Baggies and led their charge into the top four of the Premier League.

Clarke is aware Long’s performances could make him a potential target but is adamant the Republic of Ireland international is remaining at the Hawthorns.

Clarke, whose side visit Sunderland in today’s early kick-off, said: “Clubs can want to buy Shane, they can come if they want — and the answer is ‘no’.

“I am not going to hype up other clubs and who they should be bidding for. But Shane is our player and he’s not going anywhere.

“At the moment he is in a great vein of form. I’ve run out of superlatives to say about Shane.

“We are delighted with his efforts and I think the competition for places, especially in the forward area, is keeping everyone on their toes and we are the beneficiaries of that.’’

Long’s performances have been the more meritorious given the fact Albion have had to manage an ongoing hamstring setback.

But Clarke is confident the former Reading player could play in all three of Albion’s games in the next seven days — against the Black Cats, Swansea and Stoke — if required.

He said: “He has got tight hamstrings and we will look after him and make sure he it doesn’t become a tear which will keep him out for eight weeks.”

“If Giovanni Trapatonni hadn’t mentioned something in his press conference a few weeks back, you wouldn’t know about it.

“If Shane has to play 90 minutes he can play 90 minutes, no problem.’’