Striker ruled out - but not for too Long

25 October 2011 14:31
Ireland ace out with knee injury

Shane Long could be out for up to six weeks after scans showed the 24-year-old hotshot has a badly bruised, partially chipped bone inside his knee.

The Republic of Ireland international was on the receiving end of an x-rated challenge which the Villa man escaped unpunished by the referee.

At the time, an angered Baggies boss Roy Hodgson claimed the two-footed lunge could’ve broke both of the striker’s legs.

Long is now set to miss his county’s important Euro 2012’s qualifier against Estonia with Hodgson admitted his own side could’ve done without the former Reading man’s absence.

“We’re a small club with a relatively small squad of good players,” Roy said.

“To lose players for long periods of time is going to affect us.

“He certainly rode it well and was athletic in riding it, which was just as well.

“He’s lucky because he could have had two broken legs.”

Should Hutton have been sent off for his challenge on Long? Have your say here at Baggies Banter.

Source: FOOTYMAD