Long set to miss Ireland play-off

West Brom striker Shane Long faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The 24-year-old is now expected to miss the Republic of Ireland’s two-legged Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia next month.

Long left the field of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Villa Park in the 19th minute, having been on the receiving end of some heavy tackles, most notably from Villa full-back Alan Hutton.

The Irish striker suffered severe bruising and a small bone chip to the inside of his right knee.