Long, who was signed by former boss Owen Coyle in January 2010, made his first Championship appearance against Watford last weekend. Having enjoyed numerous loan spells away from Turf Moor the 22-year-old is eager to cement a place in Sean Dyche's starting XI.
"I wanted to prove to myself more than anything that I can play at this level," he told the club's official website.
"I have played in League One and League Two and done well so I just wanted to go and out and prove I could play at Championship level.
"You get that doubt in your head. A lot of managers have come in and when a new manager comes in and you haven't played before they are kind of wondering why.
"You are starting all over again, going through that development stage and they want to see you out on loan and playing games before they do anything.
"I just had to keep working and thankfully I got my chance. But I don't just want to play one game. I want to play more. I was delighted to make my debut but I want to kick on now and try and keep in the team." He added:
"I have waited a long time since I came to the club to make my first start so when I found out on Friday I was playing I was buzzing and to get out there and play I was delighted.
"I have been here quite a long time so I know all the lads and it was really a matter of getting out there and getting it over and done with. When it's your first game your adrenaline generally gets you through it mostly anyway, but I think I did all right."
Source: team_talk
