Reading sweat over Long's fitness

Irish injury update: Shane Long is a major doubt for Reading's home game with Aston Villa tomorrow after picking up an ankle injury on duty with the Republic of Ireland.

The Tipperary man made his senior Irish debut when partnering captain Robbie Keane in attack in the toothless win over San Marino on Wednesday.

Manager Steve Staunton substituted the striker with 10 minutes remaining.  Although the ankle problem was not a concern at the time, the injury flared up in the hours after the game.

Long has been deputising in the Reading side for injured compatriot Kevin Doyle of late, scoring twice in his last three appearances for Steve Coppell's side.

But Coppell doubts Long will prove his fitness before tomorrow's game at the Madejski Stadium and Dave Kitson could start his first league game since the opening day of the season.

Doyle, meanwhile, has just returned to training following his hamstring injury but the Villa game comes too soon.

The Wexford man has been sidelined since January 14th, missing the club's last four games in the Premiership as a result.  He also missed the international against San Marino.

Doyle - scorer of 10 goals this season - admits his place in the side is no longer guaranteed because of Leroy Lita, Kitson and Long's impressive goal-scoring form of late.

"I'm right down the back of the queue now, aren't I.  I've only missed a couple of games and I won't even get on the bench," he joked.

"It's the way it goes.  Anyone who has gone out of the team has to be replaced seamlessly, the team have just pushed on.

"I've been lucky in the past to not really miss out through injury, now it's my turn and I just have to deal with it.  When I get back fit I'll have to wait my chance again."

Doyle and Long's international team-mate Stephen Carr is facing a month on the sidelines.  The Newcastle defender pulled a thigh muscle training with the Staunton's Ireland team on Monday.

John O'Shea was substituted at the Serravalle Stadium after shipping an ankle injury and will miss Manchester United's game with Charlton at Old Trafford.

Jonathan Douglas, another to withdraw from Staunton's squad during the week,  is unlikely to play for Leeds United this weekend as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.