Long scored twice as Reading beat Norwich City 2-0

Reading striker Shane Long is hopeful his side can earn automatic promotion to the Premier League on Sunday.

The Royals will go up if they beat Birmingham, and Sheffield United fail to win against Crystal Palace.

Long told BBC Berkshire: "We've done well, after the run we had (two wins in 14 games), to put ourselves into a position to go up.

"It's not totally down to us - we need another result as well - but I think we would have taken that four games ago."

Long added: "We'll just concentrate on ourselves. Trying to beat Birmingham is no easy feat. Let's hope we have something to cheer about at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday."

The 22-year-old has taken his chance to shine after earning run in the starting line-up, scoring three goals in the last two matches.

"With people coming in and scoring goals it's been hard to get into the team," he said.

"It's nice to get a few starts and a few goals under my belt. Hopefully I can kick on from here in the starting 11 and set ourselves up for the Premier League next year."

Reading versus Birmingham City kicks off at 1315 BST on Sunday 3 May and is live on BBC Radio Berkshire.

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