WEST BROMWICH Albion striker Shane Long has played down the seriousness of his recent heart scare as he set his sights on challenging for a European spot in the final quarter of the season.

The Republic of Ireland striker recently had a spell on the sidelines after suffering from pericarditis – the swelling of fluid around the heart.

But Long is now fully recovered and returned to the starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Wigan.

He said: “I was affected by something called pericarditis, which is a swelling of the fluid around the heart. It sounds a lot more serious than it is.

“It was scary stuff at the time. But I had a good MOT and I know I’m in good health.”

Long believes Albion can mount a challenge for a Europa League place if they build on their recent run of form which has yielded 10 points from five games.

He said: “It’s very tight between 14th and eighth in the table. It would be very easy to finish in the top 10 and qualify for Europe.”

West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson insists he will not be rushed into making a decision on whether to offer midfielder Keith Andrews a new contract.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder joined West Brom from Blackburn Rovers in January until the end of the season and has created a favourable impression. But Hodgson will not make a quickfire judgment on Andrews.

He said: “Keith has only been here a few weeks and there are still nine or 10 games to go so there is a lot of football to be played.

“I don’t think we’re going to fall into that trap of if someone has three games then the world is your oyster, or equally if someone has three bad games means we don’t mention your name again.

“I don’t think we’ll be judging in those terms. We know what Keith can do and we know his qualities and we’re very pleased with them.”