Shane Long hails Steve Clarke's training methods

West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long has insisted that the club's success this season is down to boss Steve Clarke's training and game preparation.

The Midlands side have had a fine start to the season and currently sit third in the Premier League table.

Long, who has scored seven goals this season, was full of praise for the way Clarke prepares his side for the games throughout the week, insisting that the squad are learning every day.

"Technically we're well prepared for the games," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"We train all week long, all the sessions are brilliant and we learn every day. We have four or five sessions in the week where we're prepared for the team we're playing against and it shows on a Saturday.

"It's good for [Clarke] we're doing so well because it shows how good a manager he is."

Clarke replaced Roy Hodgson at The Hawthorns this summer.