GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic said Shane Long had been “showing his quality” at Cherries after the striker got off the mark for the club.

Long, who signed on loan from Saints late in the transfer window earlier this month, netted what proved to be a consolation effort in Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Queens Park Rangers.

The 34-year-old bundled home from close range after latching on to Sam Surridge’s cushion header.

The Tipperary-born star also completed 90 minutes at Loftus Road and could again be selected for tomorrow’s home showdown with Cardiff City.

Asked how the striker had settled into Cherries’ group, Begovic said: “I think he’s been great. He’s put in a shift every time he’s played and been a big factor for us in the games.

“It’s great to have him here and of course it’s nice for him to get off the mark and get that first goal.

“Hopefully he can score many more for us going forward for the rest of the season.”

Long’s inaugural strike for Cherries was the first time he had netted for just less than a year.

And Begovic is backing the experienced frontman to continue to get among the goals.

The Bosnian said: “He is showing his quality now and I think as he gets more and more games, he will get more and more goals for us.

“He’s a good player to have for many different reasons and someone who has made a positive impact since he joined the club a couple of weeks ago.”