Shane Long Bio Send To Friend  

Starting his career with Tipperary club St Michael's in 2000, he then joined Cork City through a scholarship on 1 July 2004.

Long was called to the first team squad for the 2005 season when manager Pat Dolan was replaced by Damien Richardson. Following Dolan's consultation with his brother, Reading coach Eamon Dolan, Reading made bids for both Long and, controversially, Kevin Doyle.

Cork were forced to sell Doyle due to a contract clause, but the circumstances surrounding Long's transfer were not disclosed and he signed as a Reading player on 7 June 2005.

Scoring 3 goals in 10 substitute appearances, Long made his debut in the 3-1 win over Stoke.

He also started all of the games in Reading's FA Cup campaign and scored one goal. This form has earned him four Republic of Ireland U19 caps.