West Brom striker Shane Long ignoring transfer speculation

The Republic of Ireland international has been in impressive form

Shane Long (GETTY IMAGES)

Leading scorer Shane Long has shrugged off speculation about a January move - and also insists West Brom's mini blip is not a cause for major concern.

The Republic of Ireland international has been in impressive form which has seen him linked with several clubs, including Liverpool.

But Baggies head coach Steve Clarke has stated Long is going nowhere and the striker is adamant he is enjoying life at the Hawthorns.

He said: "I'm just concentrating on my football, I'm enjoying playing up front, I love my job.

"It's very enjoyable at the moment and I'll let the rumours take care of themselves."

The Baggies were lying third in the Barclays Premier League a fortnight ago before losing successive games to Swansea, Stoke and Arsenal.

Long is convinced Steve Clarke's side will soon return to winning ways and all that has deserted them is Lady Luck, as highlighted by the Gunners' two debatable penalties at the weekend.

He said: "I think the only bad performance we have put in was during the first half against Swansea.

"Last week against Stoke it was just a horrible game and against Arsenal two penalties cost us.

"We've still got that confidence in us. We're still fairly close in the league and want to look at the teams above us and try and hang on to them rather than looking down.

"We'll forget about the last three results. We're playing well, we're confident on the ball. Once we get that rub of the green, results will start going our way."