“Shane is capable of scoring a great goal, but what we want Shane to be is a great goal-scorer.”
Martin O’Neill has questioned whether Shane Long will ever have the mentality to become a prolific goalscorer.
The Southampton striker didn’t start Ireland’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland back in June, despite scoring against Poland in the previous game.
Long is evidently behind Ipswich forward Daryl Murphy and Robbie Keane in Ireland’s forward pecking order, and it appears O’Neill doesn’t entirely trust the 28 year old to score the goals to get Ireland to France next summer.
“I think Shane has to get into a mentality to think about scoring goals – he has to be able to do that,” O’Neill said.
“He is getting opportunities, comes on as sub for Southampton and scores the goal against Newcastle last week. Then he starts the game and maybe doesn’t finish the match.”
“Whatever you say about him, Robbie Keane comes out and plays like a No 10 role quite often. He’s done it at Tottenham and different clubs but can still find time to get into the penalty box to score a goal because that’s what he feels is his major contribution.”
“Shane has got to get into that mentality.”
Long scored Southampton’s second goal, a late equaliser against Newcastle, on the opening day of the Premier League season, but has been frequently used in a wide position for the Saints since signing last summer.
However, O’Neill says this isn’t an excuse for a lack of goals, and cited his own goalscoring ability when playing out-wide.
“I don’t care if he plays as a winger. It still shouldn’t stop you”
“My goal-scoring record was pretty decent for a wide right-sided player. You might feel isolated but that does not prevent you from scoring – it forces you to get in when the build-up play is on the other side.”
“I think it is so natural. It is natural thing to do if you want to score.”
H/T Irish Independent.
