O’Neill says move will help Long

Martin O’Neill has welcomed Shane Long’s move to Hull City as good news for the Republic of Ireland.

O’Neill, who will today be attending Reading’s game against Bolton Wanderers, said: “I am sure Shane is very pleased with the move which he wouldn’t have made unless he wanted it. It presents an opportunity for him to play more often and that can only be good for Shane and, by extension, us.”

For his part, the Tipperary striker says he is eager to start repaying Hull manager Steve Bruce’s confidence after completing a protracted move to the KC Stadium.