Source: PA
McDermott: Long is proving his class
Reading manager Brian McDermott believes striker Shane Long is becoming "the player we always knew we had" after his brace earned a vital 2-1 win at home to Plymouth.
The Republic of Ireland international had failed to register a single league strike all season until McDermott was confirmed as permanent manager last month, but has now scored in three straight wins after his last-minute penalty won all three points.
McDermott said: "Shane has got really fit, he's looking after himself and we are now seeing the player we always knew we had.
"His confidence is sky high, he is winning headers and there was only one guy who was going to take that penalty.
"He deserves this form as he has been working really hard over the last few weeks. He has been brilliant for us, but we need to start spreading the goals around the team."
Long opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a cool one-on-one finish and converted from the spot after substitute Hal Robson-Kanu was bundled over in stoppage time, with Plymouth captain Carl Fletcher having hauled the visitors level.
