Shane Long is one of the great guys.
The Irish striker has seen his weekly wage steadily increase over the years but no amount of money in the world is going to disturb the classy nature of one of football’s most admirable figures.
An honest player who simply loves the game, Long offered up a fantastic example for what young, up-and-coming footballers should aspire to be in the wake of Southampton’s EFL Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool.
Long gave Saints their second victory over the Reds in as many weeks as he profited from a lightning quick counter-attack in the 90th minute of the second leg at Anfield, seconds after Liverpool fans roared for a penalty.
He bloody loves a counter-attack https://t.co/H6Y3AnL0Ei
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 25, 2017
The Republic of Ireland international kept his composure and beat the onrushing Loris Karius, sending his club into the final of the EFL Cup.
But Long didn’t get carried away in the celebrations that followed his last-gasp winner.
No!
He knew he had something to do.
Nothing but class from Shane Long after his winner. pic.twitter.com/SKorGpOIfX
— Darragh Murphy (@DarrMurphy) January 25, 2017
Long wanted to make somebody’s day the way that he’d have wanted his heroes to do when he was a kid in Tipperary.
He pulled his jersey off, looked around the travelling support to find the most excited young face in the crowd and handed a thrilled Southampton fan something he’d never forget.
Football could do with more Shane Longs, we’re sure you’d agree.
