Long wins Coppell's praise
28 Oct 2007 - 14:14:57
Reading manager Steve Coppell praised Shane Long after the youngster came off the substitute's bench to grab the late winner against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The match appeared to be heading for a 1-1 draw until Long's late intervention as the Royals bounced back from last weekend's poor display at Blackburn Rovers.
"Our performance was more like the way we played last year and there was a lot of energy about it," said Coppell.
"From my point of view it was like seeing an old friend. I enjoyed it.
"This year substitutes have made an impact in our games. It's a trend of this season.
"Shane (Long) came on and introduced some real gusto to our play. He has bags of energy and is a young man with a point to prove, which is a nice combination.
"And because he has not been through an apprenticeship he does things differently in an unexpected way. Sometimes that can be frustrating for us just as much as it's dangerous for the opposition."
