West Bromwich Albion winger Jerome Thomas has revealed the secret behind team-mate Shane Long's never-ending energy.
Thomas explains West Brom team-mate's pre-game ritual
West Bromwich Albion winger Jerome Thomas has revealed the secret behind his team-mate Shane Long's never-ending energy - a pre-match bowl of Coco Pops.
The Baggies winger says that fit-again striker Long brings his own packet of the cereal to games and tucks into a bowl before kick-off.
It certainly appears to be having the desired effect, with Long netting his fourth goal in 10 games against Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday since his move from Reading during the summer transfer window.
That marked his comeback after a month out of action with a knee injury which caused him to miss the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off with Estonia.
Coco Pops
"His hold-up play is phenomenal and he has got incredible energy," said Thomas. "I think it is down to the Coco Pops.
"He won't play a game before eating Coco Pops beforehand. That is where he gets the energy from.
"He brings his own box of cereal to the games. That is his ritual before every game but it seems to do the trick.
"We have missed Shane and it was also hard for him missing out on the play-offs with Ireland.
"It is frustrating to be out injured for any player. Shane's work-rate for the team goes unnoticed at times but he has been a big miss."
Aiming higher
Thomas went on to add his belief that Roy Hodgson's side have enough quality not to be involved in a relegation battle.
"I think the quality we have, the players we have, means we can always aim higher than just avoiding relegation," he stated.
"I think we are showing that in our performances."
