Long scored nine goals for Reading last season

Reading striker Shane Long says he is fit and ready to return to first-team action when Nottingham Forest visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has been out since injuring his hip during the 2-1 opening-day defeat by Scunthorpe.

Long told BBC Berkshire: "I settled back into training on Tuesday, and am definitely going to be fit on Saturday.

"It was frustrating to miss a game like Portsmouth away, but it could be worse. It'll nice to be back on the pitch."

Without Long, Reading defeated Torquay in the Carling Cup and needed a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth last time out.

"The first game we could have done a better in and we should have won but those games happen and they're going to happen throughout the season," he added.

"We responded well against Portsmouth and to come away from there with a point is no easy feat. Hopefully we can back that up with a win against Forest.

"Four points in three games would not be that bad."

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