SHANE LONG SAYS he is honoured to have been made captain of Ireland for tomorrow’s game with Georgia, and admits he will need to be more vocal than usual after being handed this extra level of responsibility.
“Normally I’m quiet on the pitch, but tomorrow will be different,” he said, explaining that it was the first time since U16 level that he had captained an Ireland team.
Long explained that he was hoping to emulate great Irish leaders of the past such as Roy Keane and Paul McGrath and said that being awarded the captaincy is “what I dream of”.
It will be the striker’s final game of the season, as he’s suspended for the Faroes encounter, while he’s missing the Spanish match on account of it clashing with his wedding, despite Trapattoni jokingly suggesting that playing against Spain in New York would be “much better”.
“I didn’t think the week could get any better,” he added, in reference to his goal against England. “And it’s the best season we’ve had ever in the Premier League.“I’m just making sure that I’m keeping up my game.”
While Long hasn’t always started for West Brom this season, he professed himself to be relatively satisfied with how the last few months have panned out.
“The manager said he was happy with how I’d done. [Lukaku and I] share the load up front.
“He’s a fine player, and I just had to bide my time and when I got my chance, I took it.”
He continued: “A little flow of games could help me over next season.”
Meanwhile, the captaincy decision comes just a few months after Trapattoni somewhat controversially described Long’s behaviour as “idiotic,” however the pair laughed off the incident this afternoon, with the player suggesting Trap was simply keen to ensure the striker did not aggravate an injury: “I think he was looking out for me in the long run,” he said.
In addition, the subject of Wes Hoolahan and how he can fit into this Irish side was inevitably brought up.
The veteran coach indicated he was wrong to ignore the Norwich player in the past, though reiterated his claim that a more “physical” presence was required in midfield against England.
The Italian said he was unsure how seamlessly Hoolahan could slot into central midfield with McCarthy, and explained that he was using the Georgia game to “evaluate this situation”.Moreover, when asked if a good performance could lead to Hoolahan starting against the Faroes, given that McCarthy is suspended for the game, Trapattoni answered: “Probably,” while hinting that he could also be part of a five-man midfield against Spain.
On Hoolahan, Long added that “it’s fairly impossible to get near him in training” and said he was one of the most naturally gifted players in the side, alongside “Stephen Quinn, Robbie Keane and Aiden McGeady”.
Absolute huge news for munster.
@Patrick O’Sullivan: isn’t it a shame as we get 2 vital players back, we lose another 2 – Daly, Oli Jager to probable season ending injury.
The revolving door continues, hope poor Jeremy has healed, he looked baet up before his stint on the bench. Great to have an attacking threat back at 12, Rory in fairness has been really solid but ball carrying freak like Nankavilli is needed, if Jack is going to be twiddling his thumbs would rather have him back for Edinburgh, unlikely. Also Coombs or Gleeson need to start. It’s a must win with a bonus point game if we want top 4. Hopefully Campbell comes into the fold too.
Is nankivell eligible for Ireland.. and if so when ?!
@Gary Galligan: 2027
@Gary Galligan: He’s not and wouldnt get a look in even if he was. We have plenty world class centres in Aki, Ringrose, Henshaw and Osborne with a few serious young talented lads coming through in Gavin, Forde and Postlewaithe who are considerably younger than Nankivell. And the same goes for Tom Farrell.
@Harry O’ Callaghan: mister Boyle says 2 years time. Bundee Robbie Gary going on 30 …. Nankivell is better than all the younger boys
@Gary Galligan: So by he’ll be 30/31 with absolutely no international experience
@Gary Galligan: huge gavin is promising
@Gary Galligan: He’s definitely not better than the younger lads who’ll be playing for Ireland very soon. Nankivell is good but he’s no world beater. We have some young prospects who have the potential to be world beaters. We have to develop our own and build for the future. That’s how it works
@Gary Galligan: no point even thinking about it as knowing munster luck when he does his 5 years and is eligible, the all blacks will have a slew of injuries at centre and end up capping him against Italy in some random summer tour
@Gary Galligan: Osborne will end up a 12 I reckon.
@scott casey: NZ don’t cap players not playing in NZ. And knowing Munster’s luck? What because something similar happened with Frisch and he decided to leave ye then? It’s always ‘poor me’ from the Moansters.
@Patrick Breen: are you alright?. It was fairly late at night to be going on a rant about a joke comment
@Seanie: Wood and Kareem too.
@Gary Galligan: he’s not better than Jamie Osborne and Hugh Gavin could easily have a higher ceiling too