Albion's Shane Long raring to go says coach Kevin Keen

The Ireland international is expected to figure against Arsenal at The Hawthorns in the third round of the Capital One Cup.

And assistant head coach Kevin Keen insists the drama of deadline day – when Albion agreed to sell Long before the Tigers tried to renegotiate the fee – is already in the past for the 26-year-old.

"Having interviewed Shane numerous times you'll know what sort of person Shane is and the type of character he is," Keen told reporters at the Baggies' pre-match press conference.

"He's come in and got on with his work. If anything, there has been a positive reaction in his training – it's been at a really high level.

"He's a top lad and is very much part of our thinking going forward.

"I don't think there will be any problem with Shane. I think he's raring to go to show people he really wants to score some goals.

"Steve Clarke has made it clear Shane's a massive part of this club.

"We're delighted he's still here and still part of West Bromwich Albion. I'm sure he will score goals this season and play a massive part in us progressing."

Long is available for the first time since deadline day after bone bruising to his knee kept him out of the games against Fulham and Sunderland.

Defender Steven Reid is also in the frame for the first time this season after a groin problem and Chris Brunt could figure following a groin injury, but George Thorne and Zoltan Gera will not be risked as they continue their comebacks from serious knee injuries and Ben Foster (foot) and Matej Vydra (hamstring) are still missing.

"Zolly just picked up a little knock that has just put him back a week, otherwise he would have been in and around it," said Keen.

"George was always a fraction behind Zoltan, but I would think in another 10 to 14 days he will be very close."

And Keen insisted the Baggies are desperate for a cup run and claimed Saturday's Premier League trip to Manchester United will not distract them from their mission.

Clarke's right-hand man admitted the visit to Old Trafford will influence tonight's team selection, but insisted it will not be the overriding factor.

"It certainly has a small effect on Steve's thoughts, but if I'm honest he just wants to win so he'll pick a team that he wants to win the game," said Keen.

"Then, obviously, he'll think about Saturday and winning that game.

"A cup run would be fantastic – just ask the Swansea or the Wigan supporters from last season.

"For the supporters of West Brom, any sort of cup run, or certainly getting near the final, would be really exciting.

"Arsenal are under a bit of pressure because they've not won a major trophy for a while, but I think it's a good draw for us because the crowd will get behind us."

Tickets for tonight remain on general sale at reduced prices if bought online.

Seats bought through www.wbatickets.co.uk cost £15 for adults, £10 for pensioners, under-21s and students and £5 for under-17s with the Baggies waiving the normal £1 online booking fee.

Tickets bought in person or by phone on 0121 227 2227 cost £20 for adults, £15 for pensioners, under-21s and students and £10 for under-17s.