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West Brom striker Long proud of spectacular derby brace

West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long was delighted with his brace in their draw with Aston Villa.

For his first, he brought down Chris Brunt's long ball expertly with his right foot before lashing in with his left, and for his second, he pounced on a poor attempted pass by Leandro Bacuna and deftly chipped Brad Guzan.

Regarding his opener, the Republic of Ireland international said: "I think nine times out of 10 I wouldn't get a touch like that - I surprised myself!"

Long admits scoring in the Chelsea match - his first goal of the campaign - was important for his confidence.

He now has four goals in his last four games for club and country, and Long said:

"Trying to get that first goal of the season is always a monkey on your back.

"It was a relief. Hopefully I can keep up this form between now and the end of the season and keep my place in the starting XI."

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