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."