Southampton: Shane Long ruled out for Ireland through injury

Southampton striker Shane Long has been ruled out of Ireland’s upcoming clashes with Wales and Poland after picking up an injury.

He was brought off after 62 minutes of Southampton’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and will now stay on the South Coast to recuperate over the next two weeks.

The 31-year-old’s absence leaves Martin O’Neill’s side lacking forwards for their two games, with the first against Wales being part of the newly formed UEFA Nations League competition.

That game will be played this coming Thursday in Cardiff, whilst a trip to Poland the following Tuesday will also provide an opportunity to try out other players.

Just Jonathan Walters – who joined Ipswich Town from Burnley recently – can be recognised as a senior member of the team and someone who has been a regular for the senior ranks for a while.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Shane Long of Southampton goes down injuerd during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton FC at Selhurst Park on September 1, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /

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Long has also been a mainstay in Ireland squads since 2007, and has managed to gain 81 caps and 17 goals for his country in that time.

Denmark also join Wales and Ireland in Group B4 of League B in the new Nations League, which will see the winners and losers of each group promoted and relegated respectively.

After initially appearing to be fourth-choice striker at St Mary’s ahead of this season, Long has been able to break into recent starting line-ups under Mark Hughes in a switch of formation.

A partnership of him and Ings upfront proved particularly tricky to handle for the Crystal Palace backline on Saturday with both players looking to turn defenders and run in behind.

Long’s effort and running has helped to endear him to some of the Saints fanbase, but his indifferent record in front of goal has also seen criticism come his way at times.

Following a two week layoff, he will be hoping to be involved for Saints’ home Premier League game against Brighton on Monday 17th.

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