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Ralph Hasenhuttl's planning for the trip to Brighton have been disrupted by the news that Shane Long has withdrawn from the Irish squad to face Gibraltar and Georgia.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

BaselSaint added 12:54 - Mar 20 Really hope its just precautionary
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SaintBrock added 14:09 - Mar 20 It's always sad when a player comes to the end of his playing days. Bodies can be punished for so long before they give in.
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underweststand added 16:45 - Mar 20 Shane Long's "goal droughts" may become part of Saints' history, but he should really be remembered for his incredible speed ...and 100% commitment in a Saints shirt. Those hundreds of games for various clubs and 70+ International caps for Ireland have brought him unwanted attention from tough defenders with crunching tackles. By now they know " how to deal with him" - if they ever succeed in catching him. With ..one year left on his contract ??... he may not seem to be a bargain to many...at £12million - but I for one think he's DAJFU in desperate times and is now paying the price for his total commitment. IF he fails to regain full fitnes,s I hope Saints can find a suitable solution for the remainder of his career. Many will say he should have scored more goals, but two that he did score stay in my memory . That last minute goal in the League Cup SF at Liverpool...and the wonderful 50 yard lob over the Villa keeper at SMS a while back. Get fit soon Shane.

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