Wigan Athletic starlet on Long road to the top

The 19-year-old defender, who hails from the Isle of Man, was out on loan at National League outfit Notts County when the campaign was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But after extending his contract with Latics, Long is hoping his brief time with County will help him take his game to the next level when the action resumes.

"I’m delighted to be offered another contract at Wigan," he said.

"For next season, we aren’t sure what’s going on yet with the current situation but whatever happens I’m looking forward to it.

"I’ve been enjoying my time down at Notts County very much. It’s been a good step up for me and I think I’ve done well.

"I feel that this season has been good for me, with the (Wigan Development Squad) team heading up into category two to play better teams than category three.

"Obviously we’d all love the season to continue but, with everything going on at the minute, I think it’s safer for everyone that it’s been put off to help slow down, and hopefully stop the spread.

"Life in lockdown at the minute just consists of a lot of (computer game) FIFA and trying to keep fit - we’ve been given programmes to help that with running and gym work.

"Hopefully when this blows over we’ll be able to get into next season but only when it’s safe to do so."

Long has been with Latics for three years, after being snapped up from Manx outfit St Georges in 2017.

He made his first team debut against Middlesbrough Under-21s in the EFL Trophy later that year.

And he's fully behind the efforts of FC Isle of Man, who are on track to enter the 10th tier of English football providing appropriate criteria is met.

"I’m glad that the FC Isle of Man is getting set up," he told the Isle of Man Examiner. "I think it’s a big step forward for Manx football and I can never rule out not playing for them in the future."