HULL FC: Top spot is motivation, says Long

SEAN Long says the chance to send Hull FC top of Super League with victory over his home-town club Wigan is a 'massive incentive'.

Long has declared himself fit to end his four-week absence and play in the top-of-the-table clash at the DW Stadium on Friday night.

And despite missing a month of action, the 33-year-old says he can pick up where he left off when suffering a hamstring tear a month ago.

"It is looking good for me to play this week," Long told the Mail.

"This is a massive game for us. If we win this week we can go top on our own and that is a big incentive.

"I have shown in the past that I can come back after a while out and play with no problem, so I don't expect it to be any different this week."

Long has not featured for Hull since damaging his hamstring in the 14-6 home victory against Huddersfield Giants on February 12.

But despite not playing in the win against Castleford last Friday, he had returned to training with his team-mates.

Long explained: "If last week had been a cup final or a knockout game I'd have played, but we didn't want to risk me against Castleford because we have a long season ahead.

"I feel in good shape and getting around a rugby pitch will be no problem. Just don't ask me to run the 800 metres."

Returning to his home-town club, Long will face a club he spurned in order to join the Black and Whites.

And he says that even with his years of experience, he has learned from sitting in the stands and analysing games with coach Richard Agar.

He said: "I still live in Wigan and I get a bit of stick from the Wigan fans, but I'll enjoy that and I can't wait to get back out there with the boys.

"I'm not too good at watching, although I have had some time to do that in my career because of injuries.

"But I am seeing a different side of things by watching the game sitting alongside Richard. Watching the last few games from up in the stands has helped me get a good view and understanding of how the matches have unfolded."