McCarthy Sympathises With Crocked Long

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has expressed his sympathy for Shane Long after the striker’s latest injury blow. Southampton’s Long, 32, was selected in the Ireland squad to face Denmark in a European Championship qualifying match on Friday plus the home clash with Gibraltar three days later.

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However, the Saints hitman picked up a hamstring problem in training on Monday and will play no part in proceedings for the men in green. It is the latest blow for the former West Brom and Hull City man, whose career of late has been blighted by injury setbacks. Long has scored 17 times for his country but not for three years and McCarthy admitted how frustrating it was to lose someone who seemed to be coming into form at the end of the Premier League campaign. “It’s a disappointment, but I hope it doesn’t turn out to be a blow,” he said.

“I’m hoping that we have other strikers who can do the business, but it’s a huge blow for him as he recovered from the last time and picked up this injury. “I’m really disappointed for him, but he has to get back and hopefully he can get right for the next games. I’m not bringing anyone else in. I’ve got five or six strikers in, so we have plenty of ammunition.”