Strikers for some reason seem to score in bursts and that means Shane Long's last gasp equaliser for the Republic Of Ireland bodes well for Saints.

Shane Long is exactly the type of striker every foot ball club likes to have on its books, he works hard and has a knack of not only creating a chance or two for others but scoring himself.

Being a striker is all about confidence though and it hasn't helped Long that his time at Saints has not seen him get a good run in the team, that hasn't been down to his form but due to the good form of others, firstly with Pelle being in such good form, then the emergence of Mane and when he finally got a chance to force his way in as first choice with Pelle needing a break and Mane away on International duty h goes and gets injured.

But in recent weeks he has got his chance in Saints first team and as his goal against Burnley showed he has a knack of being in the right place at the right time and putting away his chances when he gets them, hopefully his last gasp equaliser for the republic against Poland will boost his confidence even more.

Another good omen for him is that on Saturday we play Everton a side who back in December Long had arguably his best game for Saints against , his speed creating the confusion that led to our opening goal, and a superb jump above an Everton defender to head the ball down for Pelle to sweep home, if he starts against Everton their defence will have one eye on his speed off the mark and that could be good for Saints.

Photo: Action Images

saintsnutcase added 11:00 - Mar 30 Long is a fantastic player and Saints fans have been slow to recognise this. He was good value at 12m, given the current market for premiership strikers. But he needs to play more minutes on the pitch.
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