McDermott facing selection headache
Anthony Smith • Published 28 Oct 2010 16:00
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Impressive return: Jay Tabb had an excellent game for Reading in their 4-0 victory at Burnley. Here, the fit-again midfielder, making his first league start of the season, nicks the ball off Clarets defender and former Royals team-mate Andre Bikey.
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SHANE LONG believes boss Brian McDermott faces a selection headache this weekend.
Royals striker says their 4-0 triumph at Burnley will leave McDermott with some tough choices for Saturday’s home clash against Doncaster Rovers (3pm ko).
Reading achieved their biggest win of the Championship season at Turf Moor despite missing leading goalscorer Jimmy Kebe, right, through injury.
And Long, 23, argued: “I think he’s got a hard decision. Hal Robson-Kanu, Jay Tabb and Brian Howard all came in and did well. There were a lot of changes, and it worked.
“It’s going to be tough for the gaffer but, at the same time, Jimmy is a top player so it’s hard to leave him out. It will be interesting to see what he does but whatever team he plays I’m sure we will do the business.”
Tabb, playing just behind the striker, put in a man-of-the-match display at Turf Moor on his first start this season following ankle surgery in August. His incisive pass led to Long’s eighth minuth penalty and Royals never looked back from there.
“Jay is good going forward and he works hard in defence too,” stated Long. “He puts in a lot of tackles and I think we are our most dangerous on the counter-attack.
“He showed great quality in that position and caused them problems. I thought he put in a big performance for someone who hasn’t played for a good while. He looked sharp and I enjoyed playing up top with him. Hopefully it’s something for the future.”
Long was also at his menacing best and gave former Reading defender Andre Bikey a roasting.
“I put myself about and gave away as many free-kicks as I got,” stated the Republic of Ireland striker.
“It was a good battle with Andre because he’s a top centre-half. To score four against a defence like that says a lot about our team.”
But, despite netting his second penalty this season, Long is still yet to score from open play.
“I feel like I’ve been playing well,” he suggested. “I got one chance against Bristol City and few against Burnley but you have to be there to miss them and hopefully when one goes in they will start to flow.
“But I’m not worried, I know the goals are coming. I will just keep focusing on playing well. The manager keep playing me and I think he can see what I’m doin
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 28 Oct 10
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