JONATHAN Woodgate insisted he had belief in frontman Shane Long and said: “He will just need a few more games.”

The Republic of Ireland striker started for Cherries in today’s goalless draw at Nottingham Forest – his second appearance since signing on loan from Saints earlier this month.

Long had a headed opportunity in the opening period at the City Ground but failed to open his account.

He led the line for 81 minutes before being replaced by Sam Surridge.

Asked about the 34-year-old’s display, Woodgate told the Daily Echo: “He worked hard. I think it was tough for him at times. He pressed from the front – I thought that was really good in our game, where we did press.

“We pressed from the front and we closed them down. We limited them to not much space to be honest with you. We were on the front foot pressing wise.

“He hasn’t had many games, Longy. He will just need a few more games.”

Long has not found the net in a competitive game since striking for Saints in a 2-0 victory at home to Aston Villa just less than 12 months ago.

Asked whether getting one goal could trigger a scoring run for the striker, Woodgate added: “That’s exactly what it is. I thought when Sam came on he looked good. It’s competition for places.

“All the players, I believe in them. Whoever comes in from the transfer window, I believe in them

“Ben (Pearson) came in and Longy came in – I believe in them because they are good players.”

The point at Forest left Cherries sixth in the Championship, 11 adrift of the automatic promotion spots.

Assessing the draw with Chris Hughton’s men, Woodgate said: “They are set up really well. It was difficult to break them down at times in that game.

“They have now lost two in 13 games, so we always knew it was going to be a difficult place to come. Chris has got them well organised – like he always does with all his teams.

“We just couldn’t find the areas to break them down really. The positives are it’s a clean sheet and it could be a good point moving forward.

“They had 10 men behind the ball and it was difficult to break them down. We just need that bit of brilliance at times to do it.

“But what I can’t fault from the players was the effort. You could see the effort from minute one right until the end – they kept on believing they’d get that winner.”