Long driven by fear

Republic of Ireland international Shane Long says he is being driven on by the fear factor at West Brom.

Long has scored seven goals for Albion this season and hopes to add to that tally at Swansea tonight. But despite his good form, Long refuses to take his place in the side for granted and it is the fear of being dropped that is ensuring his game is at the top level.

“I need to make sure that I am right for every game — on and off the pitch,” said Long.

“The manger keeps me on my toes and I know I have to perform well every week.”

With Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rosenberg and Marc Antoine Fortune all after his starting place, Long knows he cannot rest on his laurels.

He added: “We have a lot of competition for places up front here like Romelu Lukaku who is only 19 but his attitude is very good and he is also a very gifted footballer. He is trying to start every game and I am trying my best to keep him out.”

Baggies boss Steve Clarke revealed he has even received messages of support from his old boss Jose Mourinho.

“Jose sent me a little text before the game at the weekend. There were some good things in it although it’s private between me and Jose. But it was about encouragement and to keep going and to keep working.”

Swansea striker Danny Graham misses tonight’s clash as he continues to battle the illness that has kept him out of training for over a week.

“He is not available, said manager Michael Laudrup. “We really don’t know (what it is). He has been sick for nearly a week now, and he has been feeling dizzy.

“We have had three or four players with that, but they are all back in training, but Danny is still ill.”