Injury ends Long's Ireland dream

Anthony Smith • Published 12 Nov 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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SHANE Long has spoken of his 'massive disappointment' at missing the Republic of Ireland's historic World Cup play-off against France.

Long has had an injection to cure an ankle injury and has pulled out of Giovanni Trapattoni's squad.

The 22-year-old striker had a realistic chance of being involved in the two-legged play-off as Royals team-mate Noel Hunt has been ruled out for the season and Hull City's Caleb Folan also withdrew through injury.

"It's a massive disappointment for me because Noel is injured and Caleb Folan is also out," groaned Long. "I think I could have been in with a really good shout.

"It's unfortunate timing but I just hope the boys can do what's necessary."

Even though Long cannot play, he will be travelling to Dublin for the first leg at Croke Park this Saturday evening, with the return leg set for Paris next Wednesday.

"I'm definitely going to Dublin to watch the game," said the ex-Cork City forward. "I'll be there on Saturday to give the lads my full support.

"It's a massive game for the country and Croke Park will be manic.

"I would love to be a part of it so hopefully the players will do the business and get us to South Africa so that I can be part of the World Cup squad."

The Republic start as underdogs, although the likely absence of France's Franck Ribery and the massive advantage Croke Park brings will definitely help the Irish cause.

And with Reading's on-loan Celtic defender Darren O'Dea and former Royals' favourites Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt also in the Irish squad, the game is attracting plenty of interest in Berkshire.

"If we can make it hard for France on Saturday and nick a goal we would go to Paris only needing a draw," explained Long.

"We need to make sure we're still in the running when we go over there.

"We know France are a great side with massive players. But if we're going to progress we have to beat these top teams."

And he added: "Kevin (Doyle) and I normally room together for Ireland and I've spoken to him this week.

"They're all confident at the moment. Apparently John O'Shea has been winding up Patrice Evra by wearing a green shirt in training for Manchester United.

"To be honest, I think we're good enough to get through. We've drawn with Italy and I think we can do it."

Despite missing out against France, Long fully expects to be available when Reading host Blackpool a week this Saturday.

"I had my first injection eight weeks ago and another one recently which needs a week to settle down," he revealed. "I've played through injury but the time has come to do something and get it treated properly.

"Hopefully I'll be back in training Monday or Tuesday and be fit for the Blackpool game."

Long inherited Doyle's no.9 shirt at the start of the season but he is yet to get off the mark in three starts and five substitute appearances.

"Fans haven't seen the best of me yet this season," he insisted. "I've been half playing through injury, so when I'm fully fit I hope to get back to my best.

"I'm still yet to get off the mark but when I'm completely fit I hope to change that quickly.

"I want to play every game but Grzegorz Rasiak and Simon Church are doing well and they deserve to be playing.

"Grzegorz got two goals at Coventry and Simon scored against Ipswich so it's going to be hard for me to get in the side.

"The only thing I can do is make an impact when I come off the bench."

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