Long facing fitness race for Euro play-off

Shane Long looks to be in a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s European Championship play-off next month.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman yesterday suggested that the ankle injury which forced the striker out of the 2-1 defeat to Poland in Warsaw last Sunday could keep him sidelined for from two to four weeks, the more pessimistic end of that prognosis meaning he’d be out of action right up to the first leg of the play-off.

Confirming that he won’t be available for this weekend’s game against Leicester, the Saints boss said: “The Shane injury is a disappointment. It’s an ankle ligament injury and he will be out for two to four weeks.”