Playing Long game is paying off for Chris
Chris Long believes he is ready to go on a scoring run after hitting his first Premiership goal.
The Englishman netted Motherwell’s third to secure his side victory in the Lanarkshire derby with Hamilton at the Fountain of Youth Stadium.
It delighted Steelmen boss Stephen Robinson, who brought the former Burnley and Everton Academy striker to Fir Park in the summer.
“That’s two in two for Longy,” he said, referencing his player’s goal in the Betfred Cup defeat to Hearts.
“He’s a very good footballer. If we can get him believing and Sherwin Seedorf believing and Jermaine Hylton believing, then we’ll have three very good players.”
As far as the striker himself is concerned, the key factor will be playing time.
“I am 24 years old and I don’t think I have ever had a run of games,” he said.
“That was the case for me in the English Championship and that was the case in League One in England, too.
“Hopefully I can get that opportunity here with Motherwell because, if I do, then I believe I will get my goals.
“That is me off the mark in the league now and I am pleased about that.
“I actually felt like I should have scored against Celtic because I had a long range shot that went close but today it has gone in.
“With the one I got in the cup against Hearts that makes it two in two, so hopefully I can carry the form into next Saturday’s match at home to Hibs and beyond.”
Motherwell exited the Betfred Cup to their Edinburgh visitors but otherwise Long has been more than happy with his summer switch north.
“Everything has been spot on at the football club,” he said.
“We all work really hard and the atmosphere reminds me a bit of Burnley with everyone in it together.
“The manager was pleased with us at the end of the game, but it is important that we crack on from here.” Robinson meanwhile revealed that Richard Tait and Jake Carroll both missed the game at Hamilton because of illness.