Shane Long’s son looks set to continue his legacy after putting pen to paper on a deal to join Reading at Academy level.
Shane got his big break in professional football with the English club at a time where they boasted a strong Irish contingent, also featuring Kevin Doyle as well as brother Stephen and Noel Hunt.
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Long enjoyed a lengthy Premier League career, scoring some vital goals for the likes of Reading, West Brom and Southampton while he was a regular face in the Irish starting XI.
He would return to Reading for one final season before retiring from professional football in 2023.
Shane Long’s son signs for Reading academy
However, Shane’s son Jax will follow in his father’s footsteps after signing a deal to join the club’s academy.
Shane’s wife Kayleah took to social media to share news of her son’s big move to a club that played such a defining part in Shane’s career.
She wrote: “There was always only one academy that Shane would allow Jax to sign for, and of course it was where he started his career, Reading FC!”
Shane Long’s lad in the #ReadingFC academy 👀👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/WQBMoVmXLk
— Erik O🇸🇪 (@Erik_O86) September 9, 2026
Long spoke eloquently in the past on how he will not stand in the way of his son potentially playing for England instead of Ireland, if the opportunity ever presents itself down the line.
If he is anything like the player his father was he is sure to give defenders serious trouble on the pitch, that is for sure.
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