Shane Long's eyes on European place

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Mar 19, 2012

Striker Shane Long today claimed Albion can still aim for a spot in Europe in their final nine matches of the season.

The draw at Wigan on Saturday took them within six points of seventh place and Long believes they should not give up on a place in the Europa League.

Seventh could earn a place in European competition depending on the destination of the FA Cup, although it is more likely teams will need to finish in the top six.

Long, who returned to the starting line-up on Saturday, said: "It's very tight between 14th and eighth.

"It would be very easy to finish in the top 10 and qualify for Europe. We've definitely got a good enough squad to do that. We can't take our foot off the pedal now."

Long played down his recent chest pain scare.

"It's something called pericarditis, which is a swelling of the fluid around the heart and it sounds a lot more serious than it is," he said.

"It was scary stuff at the time. I had a good MOT and I know I'm in good health.