George Long's battle with the bright spotlight at City

City's deputy goalkeeper has been tasked with the difficult job of holding down the fort in the absence of their number one.

Given Gunn's quality and standing, that is never an easy job—but Long's efforts seem to have been scrutinised more than ever in the last three matches against Stoke, Preston North End, and Sunday's epic 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough. 

Within that body of games, there have been undeniable errors.

Long's position and jumping reach were rightly questioned as Million Manhoef curled in an equaliser at the Bet365 Stadium last weekend. He was rash when darting off his line to uphend Emil Riis in the box before seeing Duane Holmes' effort go through his body. 

Questions will be asked in equal measure about Long's role in the Middlesbrough equaliser, with Tommy Conway squeezing in a tame volley into the net via his shin. 

That shot-stopping ability has been consistently questioned throughout his period replacing Gunn between the sticks. The data doesn't make for particularly positive reading, but it does include cup matches against Stevenage and Crystal Palace, where makeshift defences were deployed. 

Prior to that error on Sunday, Long made a decent stop to deny Finn Azaz on the edge of the area and was called upon again to deny the midfielder through a sea of sprawling defenders in that opening period. 

But the decisive moment arrived in the second half - when Jose Cordoba was caught unaware of Riley McGree's presence as he robbed him in the ball inside his own box before taking the contact, prompting referee James Bell point to the spot. 

With Conway on a hat-trick and the game at 3-1, it was down to Long to keep City in the contest. The game of poker began. 

Conway waited for Long to initiate his dive. The Norwich keeper didn't take the bait. It may have been a poorly struck penalty, but the 30-year-old won the battle and collected it. Three minutes later, Borja Sainz struck to reduce the deficit and begin the comeback. 

That Long save was the turning point. If Conway dispatched, it would have been all but over. Instead, it handed Norwich the impetus and involved the crowd who were vociferous from that point. 

This hasn't been an easy run for Long. He has been criticised, sometimes personally, and his performances nitpicked for errors and moments to prove he is not up to the grade. 

George Long is currently filling in for Angus Gunn between the sticks for Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) Some of that discourse has been respectful, based in fact and supported by data - but others have been engaging in hyperbole or strayed too far into attacking his character. Clearly the latter is unacceptable. 

Long is not Gunn. Few would dispute that he was on the same level as a fully-fledged international goalkeeper with 140 Championship and 31 Premier League matches behind him. 

But he does not warrant the extreme criticism that has been thrown his way. Whether he directly consumes it or not, it is bound to affect his confidence levels. 

The reality is that, regardless of anyone's personal opinions, City need him to perform in Gunn's absence. Minus the obvious error in Conway's opener, Long was solid—nothing beyond that, but it was a performance that hopefully allows some foundations to be established. 

Long's role as a deputy goalkeeper is difficult and requires a certain personality type to fulfil. 

Norwich have had instances in the not-so-distant past whereby goalkeepers have arrived to undertake that duty and quickly become frustrated at a lack of game time and opportunity. 

Credit for Long's attitude and application isn't a token gesture or done for the sake of it; it is to boost confidence levels and show appreciation for his role at Norwich. Johannes Hoff Thorup and City's squad are quick to push praise in his direction when quizzed, which speaks volumes to his role within the squad. 

In no other position on the pitch is a back-up option expected to play such a limited amount of minutes. If the best-case scenario was achieved, Long wouldn't play a single minute of Championship football. To find someone content with that is tough. 

Given the world outside of parachute payments and Premier League football that Norwich operate within, it is not realistic or sustainable to possess two goalkeepers of equal standing in the way City had with Gunn and Tim Krul a couple of seasons ago. 

Therefore, there is likely to be a gap in quality between their number one and two between the sticks. 

Given the financial waters that City currently occupy, coupled with Long's personality, it seems that he is best suited for that task, similar to Michael McGovern in previous campaigns. 

Long's recently signed contract was an appreciation for the role that he plays. He is part of their homegrown quota, affordable and the right character. Even if disputed, it was not a deal drafted by him, but by sporting director Ben Knapper. 

All smiles in the end for City goalkeeper George Long after their 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) Equally, the lack of run-up before being propelled into the role is difficult to comprehend. Despite the constant preparation, the transition from training into the heat of battle in the Championship is testing. 

Norwich will likely need him to perform for another few matches. The hope is that his penalty save can spark an uplift in confidence and performance levels. 

VERDICT: A mixed afternoon for the City keeper - who made an array of positive saves, but made a major error for Conway's equaliser. Penalty save was the decisive moment of this contest and should inject some confidence into him ahead of another block of matches. 

RATING 6 out of 10