Shane Long was delighted to help the team to an important win at Doncaster at the weekend, and hopes to continue his good form to aid our climb up the table.

Long netted his third goal in six games with an excellent first half header, powering home after Brian Howard did exceptionally well to find space and whip in a cross.

Shane said, "Brian put it straight on my head, it was nice to get a goal so hopefully there are a lot more to come."

Long was playing the lone striker's role with Howard tucked in behind him, and he revelled in the extra freedom in the final third. "Sometimes it's easier with one up front because neither defender knows which one is picking you up."

Saturday was the 23-year-old's third start in successive games, only the second time this season he has played more than two games on the spin.

He commented, "I've been plagued with injuries this season but I feel I'm getting back to full fitness now and playing 96 minutes can only be a good thing!"

Nine minutes of highlights from the Keepmoat are available on our online TV station Reading FC Player now.