Irish duo stress the positives

IRELAND’S man-of the-match Shane Long said he and his team-mates were generally happy with their display despite losing to Norway at a somewhat muted Aviva Stadium last night.

Tipperary man Long fired Ireland in front from a fifth minute penalty, his fifth goal in 16 appearances for his country, after Norway skipper Bred Hangeland hauled him down inside the area.

But a stunning free kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen and a late winner from Erik Huseklepp gave the Norwegians the spoils.

“It definitely wasn’t the end we would have wanted, but it was nice to get the goal,” said Long.

“To lose the game is obviously disappointing, but I think it was a case of us trying new things tonight, different players. It was a big test for us.

“The likes of Darren O’Dea, Greg Cunningham, Kevin Foley coming in. Players getting starts and putting ideas in the manager’s head. They all did well out there tonight and put in good performances.

“We had a lot of the possession, but the goal towards the end killed us off. But the players can be happy with their performances tonight.”

On his penalty goal after just five minutes, Long said: “It was a great ball from Josh (John O’Shea) and I had a bit too much pace for him and I got between him and the ball and he caught my legs and I went down. I landed on the ball and no-one was going to take it off me.”

The lively Long might indeed have had a hat-trick, bringing good saves early in the second half from Norwegian substitute keeper Espen Bugge Petterson.

“Yes. It was nice to get the chances and would have been nice to get a second goal. But I was happy enough with my performance and it’s always nice to be in the right position. In another game I might put them a way.”

Skipper Shay Given was also naturally disappointed with the result on his record-breaking 109th appearance, but keen to accentuate the positives.

“I don’t know how we lost the match, to be honest.” said Given.

“We had a lot of possession and probably created the best chances.

“I think we’ve got some good players who can pass the ball. There is a lot of stuff written about the long ball, but there are quality players in there as well.

“A few lads made their debuts in there tonight and I thought they did very, very well. Well done to them. But we can mix it up, we can go long and we can play some football.

“Luckily enough this was only a friendly. We are disappointed, but there are positives to take from the game.” On his personal achievement Given added: “To make a 109 caps is really special, because, as I said pre-match, I was just delighted to play football.’’

Has Manchester City number one Joe Hart getting injured with England opened the door at Eastlands? “It would be nice. I don’t know how bad Joe’s injury is. You don’t wish anything bad on someone. But hopefully he’s out for a couple of weeks!”