West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long says he owes his career to Reading boss Brian McDermott.

He insists he is where he is now because of the Royals manager's faith in him.

Long told the WBA website: "When he got the job, I was struggling, I wasn't playing well, but he stuck by me and I managed to score nine or ten goals at the end of that season.

"At the start of the following season, I scored one in 13 and he still stuck by me, but I finished with 25 in total.

"He gave me his spare room for two months and he took me under his wing for a while.

"I was cutting his lawn and he really looked after me, took me to training and whenever I needed some help, he was there for me.

"I owe him everything and I'll be forever grateful for that."