BURNLEY DEFENDER KEVIN Long has revealed that his first international call-up could rule him out of his brother’s wedding celebrations.
Martin O’Neill included the Corkonian in his 38-man squad for friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay, and a World Cup qualifier against Austria next month.
Long was delighted to get the nod, just over a week after making his first start for Burnley, but the timing of the matches will mean he won’t be able to fulfil his groomsman duties for his brother Daniel if he makes O’Neill’s final travelling party.
“I think I will miss it. He won’t be too happy, but if I play a game he’ll be all right,” Long told Burnley’s website.
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“I was also supposed to be going to Marbella with the family, but I’m sure they won’t mind if I get a cap.
“I spoke to my parents and all my brothers and everyone is buzzing.”
The former Cork City defender has had a cruel run with injuries and admitted he was shocked by his inclusion in O’Neill’s squad so soon after making his first start for the Clarets.
“I wasn’t expecting it. I’m shocked but really happy,” added Long.
“It was a nice surprise. I was just trying to concentrate on club football, so when I found out I was absolutely delighted.
“It’s been a tough year but it’s been a nice reward, getting a few games in towards the end of the season and I’ve really been enjoying it.
“I’m in the squad, so I want to play a game. If you’re involved, everyone is going to want to play. I will go there, train as best I can and see what happens.
“It will be good to meet up for the first time, get to know the people, see what the training is like and hopefully I can do all right.”
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Kevin Long poised to miss his brother's wedding after getting first Ireland call-up
BURNLEY DEFENDER KEVIN Long has revealed that his first international call-up could rule him out of his brother’s wedding celebrations.
Martin O’Neill included the Corkonian in his 38-man squad for friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay, and a World Cup qualifier against Austria next month.
Long was delighted to get the nod, just over a week after making his first start for Burnley, but the timing of the matches will mean he won’t be able to fulfil his groomsman duties for his brother Daniel if he makes O’Neill’s final travelling party.
“I think I will miss it. He won’t be too happy, but if I play a game he’ll be all right,” Long told Burnley’s website.
“I was also supposed to be going to Marbella with the family, but I’m sure they won’t mind if I get a cap.
“I spoke to my parents and all my brothers and everyone is buzzing.”
The former Cork City defender has had a cruel run with injuries and admitted he was shocked by his inclusion in O’Neill’s squad so soon after making his first start for the Clarets.
“I wasn’t expecting it. I’m shocked but really happy,” added Long.
“It was a nice surprise. I was just trying to concentrate on club football, so when I found out I was absolutely delighted.
“It’s been a tough year but it’s been a nice reward, getting a few games in towards the end of the season and I’ve really been enjoying it.
“I’m in the squad, so I want to play a game. If you’re involved, everyone is going to want to play. I will go there, train as best I can and see what happens.
“It will be good to meet up for the first time, get to know the people, see what the training is like and hopefully I can do all right.”
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