ROY Hodgson believes Shane Long has the potential to be the Premier League’s ‘bargain of the year’.

The striker scored his third goal of the season and Albion’s second in their 2-2 draw at Sunderland.

Long signed during the summer from Reading for an initial fee in excess of £4 million.

Hodgson believes the Irishman has all the attributes to be a major force in the top flight. The manager’s only regret was that Peter Odemwingie didn’t have the same impact at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

“He was outstanding, he really was,” said Hodgson

“It’s a pity that Peter didn’t have one of his better games.

“He’s very harsh on himself and sets high standards.

“Even when he doesn’t play well he’s dangerous.

“Had he been anything like his normal self with Long in the form he was in then we would have been even more dangerous.

“We have to remember Shane came from Ireland where he was hurling at the age of 17.

“He went to Reading, became an international, became a star player, got into the Premier League and it’s a meteoric rise really.