Long desperate for FA Cup run

Anthony Smith • Published 30 Dec 2008 12:00 0 Comments

ROYALS' in-form striker Shane Long is begging Steve Coppell to play him in Saturday's potentially explosive FA Cup third round clash with Cardiff City at Ninian Park (3pm ko).

Long was handed only his third league start this season at Southampton on Sunday and he repaid his manager's faith by netting the late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at St Mary's.

The Republic of Ireland star, who also scored in the recent 2-0 win over Norwich City, now has three for the season but his place in Coppell's starting-line up could be under threat if the boss decides to recall Noel Hunt for the Cardiff tie.

Hunt has been a regular starter this campaign but he was rested for the fixture against the Saints who were pegged back by Long's 84th minute header having taken the lead through David McGoldrick nine minutes earlier.

The draw extended Reading's unbeaten league run to eight matches after an incredible injury-time equaliser from goalkeeper Adam Federici salvaged a 1-1 home draw against Cardiff City in the bad-tempered Boxing Day game.

"The gaffer decided to change things as two games in two days over Christmas was always going to be hard," said Long. "I was delighted to stay on the pitch for 90 minutes and get something out of the Southampton game.

"I thought I did my bit and won my headers. Kevin Doyle and I seemed to be giving them a few problems.

"I got another bloody nose from the Southampton keeper when I headed the ball in but it was well worth it. Now we have Cardiff again in the FA Cup and I'm looking forward to that.

"It's going to be another hard game. We saw what a strong side Cardiff are and they're going to be really up for it after getting to the FA Cup final last season.

"The manager likes to play our younger players in the FA Cup but I'm still one of them. He may rest some of the senior lads but there will be plenty of time for me to recover and I definitely want to play in it. I want to get games under my belt and keep my scoring run going."

Security will be tightened for Saturday's FA Cup tie following the violent scenes that marred the Boxing Day fixture.

Michael Chopra looked to have scored an 89th minute winner for Cardiff City but the unlikely figure of Federici broke Bluebirds' hearts by netting a dramatic equaliser three minutes into injury time from the last corner of the match.

Trouble then flared in the away end and police horses were used to stop City fans invading the pitch. Four arrests were made and South Wales Police will be on high alert this weekend to avoid a repeat.

Federici, currently standing in for injured keeper Marcus Hahnemann, beamed: "I love playing outfield and I score plenty of goals in training but I never imagined something like that would happen.

"I had a goal celebration planned - just a little Aussie thing - but the boys mobbed me so I couldn't do it."

UNDER-FIRE Norwich City boss Glenn Roeder wants to keep Reading outcast Leroy Lita on loan until the end of the season.

Lita's loan at Carrow Road is now up and he has returned to the Madejski Stadium.

But Royals boss Steve Coppell may try to offload him permanently in the January transfer window for around £500,000.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been lined with a £6 million swoop for Royals winger Stephen Hunt.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 30 Dec 08

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