West Brom defender McAuley backing Long to make difference against Wolves

West Bromwich Albion defender Gareth McAuley feels Shane Long can make the difference in the derby against Wolves.

The Baggies striker terrorised the Wanderers defence in October's 2-0 win at The Hawthorns.

And he is hopeful of facing Mick McCarthy's men at Molineux after being sidelined for the last two games with a chest problem.

"Longy started the season fantastically and we probably do miss his presence because he's got a reputation, and I know from playing against him that he never gives people any peace," said McAuley to the WBA website.

"That can get in the minds of the opposition when they think he's going to chase everything down and run the channels all day. That's what he's good at so he's a different type of prospect to the players we've got playing at the moment.

"They are different options for us when they're available."

Join the conversation on

Tribalfootball Store

England World Cup Ticket T-Shirt Made By Umbro Classic cut crew neck t-shirt, 100% Cotton Colour Navy

£2.99 Buy

Italy 2010/11 Home SS Football Shirt Made By Puma The Current Fifa World Champions shirt for the 2010 World cup in South Africa.

£9.99 Buy

Athletico Bilbao 11/12 SS Home Football Shirt Made By Nike Sponsor - Petronor Athletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is an association football club from Bilbao Colour Red/White Stripes

£44.99 Buy

Nike5 Elastico IC Indoor Football Trainers Made By Nike specifically for the face-pace of small-sided games, the Nike5 Elastico Pro IC Men's Football Boot gives you the cushioning and traction you nee

£14.99 Buy

AdiNova TRX Turf Football Boots, Made by Adidas. Colour Black/ Electricity Leather Upper Designed for Artificial Surfaces.

£29.99 Buy

AdiNova IV TRX FG Football Boot, Made by Adidas.

£29.99 Buy

Defying all expectations and against the odds, Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed the 1980 League Cup over the European Champions, Nottingham Forest.

£29.99 Buy

Facing extinction in 1983, Wolverhampton Wanderers went on to win successive promotions in the late 80's to return to the second tier of the football league as well as victory in the 1988 Sherpa Van T

£29.99 Buy