Long urges Lukaku to stay on

Long urges Lukaku to stay on

Published Feb. 24, 2013 1:16 p.m. ET

Shane Long reckons Romelu Lukaku should return to West Brom next season if he wants to become 'the complete striker'.

That was the target the teenage Belgian set himself after scoring both goals in Albion's 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday.

Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, has already indicated he might be prepared to return to for a second season, and Long believes The Hawthorns is the best place for his young striker partner to hone his craft.

He said: "Rom is still young. You look at him and can't believe he is 19-20. He has a lot of learning to do but he wants to learn, is relishing the challenge here and it is good to play alongside him.

ADVERTISEMENT

"They've got plenty of options at Chelsea and I think he likes it here. He likes playing for the manager, he likes the lads and he finds it fun coming to training every day.

"Hopefully we can get him back next season and keep him going the way he is going."

Lukaku is hoping his goals will help West Brom improve on their current seventh spot and nick a European place for next season.

He said: "I know we have the players at West Brom to achieve that goal. We have the staff, the experience and the up and coming players to do it.

"I have personal ambitions I want to reach. I work on all different aspects of my game and have the qualities to become the complete striker."

share