Long’s ankle injury a worry for Trap

Shane Long is the latest injury worry for Giovanni Trapattoni after the striker was forced out of West Brom’s 2-1 win over Sunderland at the weekend with an ankle problem.

The Ireland manager is due to announce his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria on March 8 and it is hoped Long will be fit. Long said: “The gaffer wanted to spare me for next week (at Chelsea). It didn’t feel the best after the game but hopefully I can get a better assessment in the next few days.”

Long has pledged his future to West Brom, saying that he’s enjoying life under Steve Clarke at the Hawthorns.