Shane Long hints at retirement from the professional game after radio interview

Ireland veteran and Tipperary native Shane Long looks set to hang up his boots at the end of this season.

The 36-year-old is out of contract at Reading, with the club having been just relegated to League One.

Long was speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire when he was asked if he planned to re-sign with the club.

He said: "I doubt it. I’m going to speak to my family, but in my head, I think enough is enough. I’m 37 next January. We’ll see.

"I’m going to spend time with my family over the summer and weigh up the pros and cons after that. I feel good, my body does feel good, but I suppose the older you get, the more it’s about recovery and getting your body going again.

"When you’re playing Saturday-Tuesday- Saturday-Tuesday, it takes its toll.

"I don’t want to come back for one more year and just be injured. I’ll see how I feel in the summer.

"If the club can buy in players and have a decent squad next year, then brilliant, but if they’re struggling to get numbers in the door and they need more help, then I’m always a phone call away."

In his previous life, the former Republic of Ireland international was a skilled hurler and footballer, representing Tipperary in two All-Ireland minor hurling semi-finals.