Shane Long Withdraws From Irish Squad Wednesday, 20th Mar 2019 08:27 Saints will be sweating on the fitness of Shane Long after the striker was forced to withdraw from the Republic Of Ireland squad for the forthcoming Internationals. Ralph Hasenhuttl's planning for the trip to Brighton have been disrupted by the news that Shane Long has withdrawn from the Irish squad to face Gibraltar and Georgia. He has apparently suffered a groin injury and will presumably now come back to Southampton for treatment. This is not good news for Saints as they already have Michael Obafemi out for the rest of the season and although Hasenhuttl has Danny Ings back in contention, after two months on the sidelines the Austrian would probably be hoping to ease the striker back in action rather than throw him in at the deep end and risk a recurrence of the hamstring injury. But if Long does not make muster then that only leaves two recognised striking options for Hasenhuttl, the first Ings and the second Charlie Austin who is not fit enough to play the high pressing game needed and although he has an important role to play this season, it is not as a starter in the line up, but as an impact player coming off the bench in the last 20-25 minutes. Long's absence could open the door for ex Saint David McGoldrick who although capped has never scored a goal for his country. Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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