SHANE LONG JUST can’t help himself at the moment.

He’s now scored four goals in three consecutive games for Reading, as he helps his side push on for promotion. Meanwhile, outside the Championship, Irish international Kevin Kilbane is showing himself to be an outstanding utility player.

Shane Long
Long scored his seventh goal in eight games on Saturday as Reading easily dismissed Doncaster in a 3-0 away win.

He opened the scoring after just half an hour with his 12th goal of the season, and continues his fine partnership with Noel Hunt up front. Saturday’s game was a team effort however, with all 11 players giving their all as Reading look to break into the playoff positions.

They currently sit just two points outside, and their current run of form looks like they will be contenders in no time at all.

Kevin Kilbane

Having played on the left wing for most of his career, Kevin Kilbane was moved to left-back as his pace left him in the past few years. However, this month he’s been utilised in another position for League One side Huddersfield, who signed the veteran on loan in the transfer window.

It’s difficult to argue for the inclusion of a third tier player in an international squad, but when Giovanni Trapattoni has to make a decision on his Carling Cup opening game squad next week, can he look past the record cap holder? Playing in both central and left midfield for Huddersfield, Kilbane has fitted seamlessly into the Terriers’ midfield, and on Saturday scored his first goal for the club.

Huddersfield went on to win the match 4-2, and look comfortable sitting in second position in the table.

James Berrett

With only one Irish player popping up on the scoresheet in the Championship, all the action seemed to happen in League One where James Berrett had a fantastic weekend, scoring two penalties and leading Carlisle to a fantastic 4-0 victory over Bristol Rovers.

Berrett opened the scoring just before half-time with a penalty, and then killed off the game with another end minutes from the end of the match. In between that, the Irish U-21 international midfielder was also on hand to send over a fine corner for Liam Cooper to head home.