Shane Long joins Bournemouth on loan from Southampton

Irish international Shane Long made a late Deadline Day move to Championship side Bournemouth on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Southampton striker joins the Cherries on loan after appearing over 200 times for the Saints. The ex-Reading, West Brom and Hull City man has earned 85 caps for his national team, scoring 17 goals.

Long, who started his career with Cork City, will be hoping to get more game time at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries currently sit in sixth position in the Championship table.

Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall was pleased to bring in the 34-year-old striker on loan.

“I am delighted to bring an attacker of Shane’s experience and quality to the club,” Tindall told the club’s website.

“As well as his undoubted technical ability, Shane’s character, maturity and leadership skills are something we have been searching for to add to what is a relatively young squad.

“He has played at the highest level for the majority of his career – including the past nine seasons – and we are hoping to bring the best out of him over the coming months as we aim to gain promotion back to the Premier League."