SOUTHAMPTON BOSS RONALD Koeman has spoken of his surprise at striker Shane Long featuring for Ireland in the Euro 2016 play-off second leg against Bosnia-Herzegovina during the week.
Long came on in the 55th minute to lead Ireland’s attack, despite having played no first-team football since the Irish side’s clash with Poland last month
“I was quite surprised that he played 40 minutes,” Koeman said. “Of course our doctor had contact with the medical staff of the Irish national team and my information was he still was not 100% fit.
“I don’t like to say more because that’s not the way; the way is to contact them and if we are not happy we have to tell them. That’s the first step.
“He is now fit because he played 40 minutes. But in my opinion a player needs more training before playing 40 minutes.”
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Having regrouped his squad after the international break, Koeman added.“I understand it was a very important game, about qualification, but if I’m national coach I don’t put a player in after five or six weeks with only one training session. But that’s my personal opinion.”
Despite Long’s unexpected match action, Southampton’s international contingent returned from international duty with no new injuries ahead of the visit of Stoke and Virgil van Dijk is available for selection despite picking up a knock playing for the Netherlands against Wales.
Ronald Koeman was not impressed with Ireland picking Shane Long during the week
SOUTHAMPTON BOSS RONALD Koeman has spoken of his surprise at striker Shane Long featuring for Ireland in the Euro 2016 play-off second leg against Bosnia-Herzegovina during the week.
Long came on in the 55th minute to lead Ireland’s attack, despite having played no first-team football since the Irish side’s clash with Poland last month
“I was quite surprised that he played 40 minutes,” Koeman said. “Of course our doctor had contact with the medical staff of the Irish national team and my information was he still was not 100% fit.
“I don’t like to say more because that’s not the way; the way is to contact them and if we are not happy we have to tell them. That’s the first step.
Having regrouped his squad after the international break, Koeman added.“I understand it was a very important game, about qualification, but if I’m national coach I don’t put a player in after five or six weeks with only one training session. But that’s my personal opinion.”
Despite Long’s unexpected match action, Southampton’s international contingent returned from international duty with no new injuries ahead of the visit of Stoke and Virgil van Dijk is available for selection despite picking up a knock playing for the Netherlands against Wales.
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