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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
PA staff & Oisin Doherty

Shane Long nearing Reading return ahead of Sunderland clash

Irish striker Shane Long could be set to return to the Reading line-up for this Wednesday's clash with Sunderland.

The veteran has been struggling with what 'Royals' manager Paul Ince said was “viral” but he should be fit to return.

The 35-year-old rejoined the club eleven years after his initial departure and has scored one goal in the two league games in which he has appeared.

READ MORE: Ruaidhri Higgins says Derry City will keep the heat on Shamrock Rovers even if they already have 'one hand on the title'

Long broke into the Reading team in at the back end of the 05/06 season and soon became a mainstay in the side. He spent six years at Reading in his first spell at the club, making over 200 appearances and scored 54 goals.

Along with the vastly experienced Long, Yakou Meite and Mamadou Loum (both calf) could also come back into contention.

Liam Moore is out with a knee issue while hamstring injuries keep both Scott Dann and Femi Azeez on the sidelines.

Sunderland have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match in Berkshire.

Leading goalscorer Ross Stewart remains out after injuring his thigh in the warm-up ahead of the recent defeat at Middlesbrough.

Defender Dan Ballard (foot) is still missing for the Black Cats and Dennis Cirkin (hamstring) is also out.

Costa Rica international Jewison Bennette could make his Sunderland debut while Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo is pushing for a first start.

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