Shane Long is aware he has plenty of expectations to live up to at West Bromwich Albion.
The Republic of Ireland striker wears the number 9 shirt at The Hawthorns, made famous by Jeff 'The King' Astle who scored 174 goals in 361 games.
Ahead of the tenth anniversary of the passing of the great striker, Long says he plans to live up to the lofty heights set by the likes of Astle and Bob Taylor.
"I've heard a lot of names. A lot of them were before my time but I've heard a lot of stories and a lot of stats like goals-to-games, so it's a big thing for me to live up to.
"But that's what I want to do and hopefully I can be remembered in that No.9 shirt as well.
"I was always keen to take on the challenge of wearing the No.9 shirt and when it was offered to me I snapped it up.
"There is that extra pressure with the No.9 and I suppose it does push you a little bit more - and that's a good thing. But whatever shirt I wear, I give it my all.
"It's early days yet and I've got an important couple of years ahead of me but hopefully I can keep up my performances and keep on the right side of the fans.""I know I'm wearing a fairly iconic shirt in the No.9, and I've got a lot to do to live up to that No.9 shirt - but I plan to do it," said Long who has scored six Premier League goals for the Baggies since his summer move from Reading.
