Shane Long

[tetsujin1979]

one of the first problems Trapattoni identified was that our two central midfielders often left the centre halves exposed, which is why he played two defensive players in the middle of the park.

[Trequartista20]

Starting today:

[Bielsa´s irish]

as we say in castellano, he broke the 9's drought , today

[Olé Olé]

Great to see Long score. Hope it results in a run. He loves a good run.

[Charlie Darwin]

Great to see him break the 9's drought so early in his loan spell.

[sadloserkid]

Here in some other quasi-exotic location (we'll say Bucharest) we call it 'The Famine of the 9' instead. Local commentators were well known for talking about it at great length in their frequent discussions about John Byrne and, later, Connor Salmon.

[John83]

Here in some other quasi-exotic location (we'll say Bucharest) we call it 'The Famine of the 9' instead. Local commentators were well known for talking about it at great length in their frequent discussions about John Byrne and, later, Connor Salmon.

But never Frank Stapleton?

[sadloserkid]

But never Frank Stapleton?

In Bucharest we call Francis Stapleton 'The Sandcastle' in our frequent discussions about his short stint at Ajax. Because it fell apart so badly. Noi radem foarte mult!

[Eminence Grise]

Personally I'm reserving judgement until he puts in a shift in Dara O'Shea's holding midfield role.

[Bielsa´s irish]

what a great great complete modern 9 Frank Stapleton was at his prime, unplayable! Different class! I remember as a kid 8 or 9 years old they broadcasted Diego's all matches from Barça, at some stage they played vs Man U, it was 84 or 85, Diego wasnt playing for Argentina he asked for a hiatus and our coach Bilardo accepted that petition, so the AFA and the president Alfonsin social democratic government decided to put on tv Diego's games on the public tv, dont remember if the matches were taped or live, (when he went to Nápoles it was the private channel owned by a gallego from Galicia, Romay).

I remember Frank Stapleton was the best player on the pitch vs Barça, scored too.

Then later on he had a hip injury and lost his pace, he was a pacey 9. Jack Charlton talked about it, and I still think he could have played vs Egypt or Italy coming from the bench

[Bielsa´s irish]

Personally I'm reserving judgement until he puts in a shift in Dara O'Shea's holding midfield role.

Will be fantastic as a holding mid. We were there before, remember Paul McGrath and Lawrenson, a cutting edge tactic

[Bielsa´s irish]

As I said before, we have to play our best players, the defenders, they have to be the more composed on the ball. A commanding midfield with a bit a bite and control a number 10, and two nuissance attackers.

My team is
1-Randolph/Westwood or young Kelleher
2-Coleman
3-Stevens
4-"young" Doherty
5-Egan
6-Dara O'Shea
7-Cullen
8-McCarthy
9-Long
10-Connor Ronan or Callum O'Hare
11-Connolly

[tetsujin1979]

Egan won't be in the squad, unless you have evidence that he will recover in time, don't discuss him
Callum O'Hare isn't likely to be in the squad, unless you have evidence that the player is in the process of declaring, don't mention him again
Ronan has only completed 90 minutes twice since the start of the year, and he's only played 86 minutes in Grasshopper's last three games combined - and that's in the Swiss second division. I doubt he's ready for his international debut in an away qualifier.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Egan won't be in the squad, unless you have evidence that he will recover in time, don't discuss him
Callum O'Hare isn't likely to be in the squad, unless you have evidence that the player is in the process of declaring, don't mention him again
Ronan has only completed 90 minutes twice since the start of the year, and he's only played 86 minutes in Grasshopper's last three games combined - and that's in the Swiss second division. I doubt he's ready for his international debut in an away qualifier.

that's my ideal team, compañero!

I would go with Kevin Long or Clark next to Doherty, If kevin plays Doherty would be left center back. On the number 10 role yes I would have capped Ronan after Slovakia for sure, I dont care he's on loan Grasshopper are a big european team after all even when they are coming back!
O'hare someone said his sister is an irish champion? is that accurate?

if so, the kid wont be far, he showed balls for rejecting a bench role at villa on forcing himself a carrer

[sadloserkid]

Long on the bench today. Rob Elliot, as it happens, on the Watford bench too.

[Demesne Lad]

Woodgate: I can't speak highly enough of Long | Bournemouth Echo

[Trequartista20]

Always struck me as a great lad - even as a squad player you'd think he'd offer something. Seems strange that McCarthy and Kenny have left him out of squads. He'll always at the very least offer professionalism, experience, a great attitude, work ethic and pace.

[Demesne Lad]

Shane Long missed out on the match squad for Bournemouth's past three league games because of a groin injury. Southern Daily Echo reports (23/04/21) that a meeting between the Bournemouth and Southampton physios regarding him took place this week, with the St Mary’s side now going to work on restoring Long back to fitness.

[seanfhear]

Shane Long missed out on the match squad for Bournemouth's past three league games because of a groin injury. Southern Daily Echo reports (23/04/21) that a meeting between the Bournemouth and Southampton physios regarding him took place this week, with the St Mary’s side now going to work on restoring Long back to fitness.

Could the Portsmouth Physio also have a look ?

[Colbert Report]

Has another year on his deal at Southampton. He turned 34 back on January 22, so he'll be 35 and a half by the time his contract is up next summer. Should be very interesting to see where he plays next season.