Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long has extended his Reading contract and club-mate and compatriot Stephen Hunt could do likewise before the weekend despite interest from other clubs.

Tipperary man Long - who joined from Cork City two years ago and scored four goals last season - had two seasons still to run on his existing deal but the striker now stays at Madejski Stadium until 2011.

Team-mates Ivar Ingimarsson and James Harper extended their deals until 2010 while Simon Cox has signed on for a further year.

Reading's Director of Football, Nick Hammond, said Long (20) was one of "the most exciting talents in the Premiership".

"The progress Shane has made in such a short space of time since joining us has been phenomenal and the faith placed in him by the manager has allowed for that development," he said.

"Shane now has a big opportunity and the challenge for him is to force his way into the starting line up on a regular basis in the coming season.  But he's still learning and everyone at the club has to remain patient with him."

Team-mate Hunt has become a household name following a string of inspirational performances for club and country, not to mention his dramatic, but accidental, clash with Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech last season.

In recent weeks he has attracted the attention of West Ham, Portsmouth, Wigan, Bolton and Sunderland but is expected to commit to Reading where he is hopeful of landing an improved contract despite suggestions to the contrary.

Manager Steve Coppell had refused to reward Hunt with a new deal as the 25-year-old Waterford man only signed a two-and-a-half year contract in January.

"Stephen Hunt still has two years left, the same as most players here. It doesn't matter what the rumours are about other clubs looking at him," Coppell said last week.  "We don't control the situation but there are contractual agreements in place."