An Irish football man’s age-old dilemma

Roy Hodgson’s move from club to country has left Shane Long grappling with an age-old conflict of interests.

“Well, it’s a strange one,” the West Brom striker admits with a grin. “I’d like to see him do well as manager of England but I wouldn’t like to see England do well. It’s a weird one.

“He’s given me a text wishing me the best in the Euros and I want the same for him. It’s a job that he wanted for a long time and it’s thoroughly deserved. I hope it goes well for him because there couldn’t be a man that deserves it more.”

Long reckons his former gaffer is underestimated.

“Definitely, very much so. Obviously the people’s choice was Harry Redknapp but that doesn’t make it the right choice. It was going to be a tough decision for the FA to make but I think they’ve picked a very wise and experienced manager. Only time will tell if they’ve picked the right man but from my own experience I feel they have.”