Long looks to Rio after Euro letdown

Shane Long admits his lack of playing time at Euro 2012 was frustrating but says the experience has whetted his appetite to have a greater impact on the international stage in the future.

The West Brom striker was a bit-part presence in Poland, coming on as a sub for Robbie Keane with 16 minutes remaining in the 3-1 defeat to Croatia and replacing Aiden McGeady with 22 minutes left in the 2-0 defeat to Italy as Ireland finished Group C pointless.

Long’s failure to start a game was one of a number of contentious selection decisions made by manager Giovanni Trapattoni during the finals but the 25-year-old believes his time will come — hopefully in the World Cup in Brazil in two years’ time.