Long aiming to start against Slovakia
Credit:
Reading’s Shane Long is widely expected to replace the injured Kevin Doyle in the starting line-up for the Republic of Ireland’s fourth Group B qualification game on the road to The European Championships 2012, a prospect the 23-year-old is relishing.
“Obviously nothing is set in stone yet but yeah, I’d love to get a run on Tuesday night. It’s a massive thing to play for your country and I’ve only started once for Ireland in a competitive game so I’m really looking forward to the chance and if I get the nod I’ll be ready.”
Given that Doyle is the focal point of virtually every Irish attack Long was asked if he would feel comfortable in the role of target man and was again self-assured in his response.
“Yeah definitely, I play that way with Reading. We play a 4-3-3 formation and I’m the lone striker and we’ve played a lot of games like that and I enjoy that role. At the same time even if it is 4-4-2 I’ll look forward to that as well, getting crosses in to the box and hopefully I can get myself on the end of one or two of them.”
Describing himself as “a quick player and good in the air”, Long also advises that he is “not afraid to put myself about” and aims to utilise these skills to help the Irish cause on Tuesday. “Hopefully I can add to the team in a different way that Kevin did.”
Flourishing in the English Championship at present, Long’s first team opportunity there ironically resulted from Doyle’s transfer from Reading to Wolves and the Tipperary native will be hoping to provide more than adequate cover for his former Cork City teammate at international level too.
“Obviously nothing is set in stone yet but yeah, I’d love to get a run on Tuesday night. It’s a massive thing to play for your country and I’ve only started once for Ireland in a competitive game so I’m really looking forward to the chance and if I get the nod I’ll be ready.”
Given that Doyle is the focal point of virtually every Irish attack Long was asked if he would feel comfortable in the role of target man and was again self-assured in his response.
“Yeah definitely, I play that way with Reading. We play a 4-3-3 formation and I’m the lone striker and we’ve played a lot of games like that and I enjoy that role. At the same time even if it is 4-4-2 I’ll look forward to that as well, getting crosses in to the box and hopefully I can get myself on the end of one or two of them.”
Describing himself as “a quick player and good in the air”, Long also advises that he is “not afraid to put myself about” and aims to utilise these skills to help the Irish cause on Tuesday. “Hopefully I can add to the team in a different way that Kevin did.”
Flourishing in the English Championship at present, Long’s first team opportunity there ironically resulted from Doyle’s transfer from Reading to Wolves and the Tipperary native will be hoping to provide more than adequate cover for his former Cork City teammate at international level too.
About Eoin Manning
Eoin Manning has been a part of the extratime.ie reporting team since 2009 and covers the Dublin clubs. Eoin also writes for many of the countries national newspapers and can be contacted at eoinpmanning@gmail.com View Full Profile