Southampton striker Shane Long is hoping his recent good club form will see him earn a recall to the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 playoff at Slovakia.
The 33-year-old netted four times in five games at the end of last season to help the Saints stay in the Premier League and manager Ralph Hassenhuttl has praised the Tipperary man's work-rate this term.
Injuries and dips in form in front of goal have meant that Long hasn't played for his country since 2018 but wants Mick McCarthy to recall him for the "massive" playoff semi-final in Bratislava.
“It’s massive for me,” Long told Southampton's official website.
“Obviously not being in the squad here, the manager of Ireland decided to pick players who were playing at club level and I was overlooked. I spoke to him about it, we kept it very civil, he told me his reasons and I accepted that.
“It was tough because I was really looking forward to it at the time and I needed that game time. I wanted something to clear my head because I wasn’t involved here, so that was a killer blow for me.
“I think it was the first squad since I’ve got into the Ireland team where I’ve been fit but not selected. It was tough for me to take – another body blow, as I say, but I’ve got over it.
“I’m still in touch with the manager – we haven’t fallen out or anything. He keeps texting when I’m playing, saying ‘good game today’ and keeping me encouraged.
“It’s about keeping my place in the squad so when it does come to picking that Ireland team I am involved, because they’re massive games.
“I pride myself on playing for my country. I love playing for Ireland so I want to do everything I can to get into that next squad.”
