Interviews

Longman: I'm showcasing my versatility

Winger grabbed winning goal at Bournemouth on Saturday.

By Charlie Hanson • 26 January 2022

By Hull City
Ryan Longman has scored four goals in all competitions for Hull City so far this campaign.

Ryan Longman reckons his stint at wing-back for Hull City is a great way of demonstrating his versatility.

The 21-year-old put in a complete performance in his new position on Saturday, scoring the winning goal against Bournemouth as well as helping the Tigers keep a clean sheet.

That was his third league goal of the campaign, having also contributed four assists.

“I have never played at wing-back before, so that’s been a learning curve,” he said. “As a winger you’re used to having cover behind you, but at wing-back you have to look after two players at times which can be a challenge. But I am enjoying it, you tend to get a little more space out on the wing.

“Brighton play with wing-backs quite often, so it’s good to show that I can play in different positions – I don’t want to be a one-trick pony.

By Hull City
The 21-year-old has played at wing-back for the Tigers in recent weeks.

“I can’t slide tackle, but I can hold off a player, that’s pretty much it! I came up against a tricky winger for Bournemouth at the weekend and I now have a lot more respect for defenders who keep that sort of player quiet.

“You get ideas about improving your own game going forward though. I’ve now got a couple of ideas on how to get past a good full-back. That’s all a product of getting more games, you pick up little things like that.”

Longman’s fine goal against the Cherries wasn’t matched by his celebration as his attempted knee slide saw him end up flat on his face.

“I am not sure about the celebration, but the goal is definitely one to remember! Tom Eaves slid the ball to me, I’ve picked it up in a bit of a weird position, but as soon as I’ve got it I thought ‘I’m going to shoot’, luckily it nearly went in the top corner. I ran over to the fans to celebrate and the knee slide didn’t go to plan, but a goal is a goal, it doesn’t matter about the celebration.

“My confidence is really high and I’ve hit a good patch of form after two massive wins against teams who are second and third. There’s good confidence in the squad at the moment.

“I am in the best shape of my career. My stats are improving with every game I play. I had a lot of injuries when I was younger, but since the beginning of last season I’ve avoided any major problems and am improving.”

Hull’s haul of six wins from their last 11 games has seen them move ten points clear of the relegation zone, although Ryan doesn’t want to get complacent with a tough trip to Swansea City this Saturday. On Tuesday, Hull announced that manager Grant McCann had left the club.

“There’s still 19 games to play so there’s a lot of points to play for and everyone knows how crazy the Championship is, anything is possible at both ends of the table. We’re just taking it a game at a time but we want to build on the results we’ve been getting.”