Saints manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Shane Long has returned to training however is unlikely to return to the squad this weekend.

Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Shane Long is back in training which is good news for both Saints and the Republic of Ireland, however after almost a Month out after being injured on International duty, he is short of fitness and is not ready for first team action.

However the Irish will be hoping that he will be nearer fitness for their vital qualifying games starting next week.

From a Saints perspective they could have don with Long in the games against Leicester, Liverpool & Bournemouth when his work rate would have offered the manager options off the bench to not only close down the opposition but put sides under pressure going forward.

Hopefully Long will be ready for the game against Stoke City on the 21st November.

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