Ronald Koeman annoyed at Shane Long's Republic of Ireland return

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman was not impressed with Shane Long’s appearance for Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2016 qualifying win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

The injury-hit Saints striker made his comeback this week, playing most of the second-half having trained just once following a five-week layoff with an ankle problem.

“I was surprised,” added the Dutchman, speaking ahead of this weekend’s game against Stoke City. “Of course our doctor had contact with the medical staff of the Irish national team and my information was he still was not 100% fit.

“I don’t like to say more because that’s not the way; the way is to contact them and if we are not happy, we have to tell them. That’s the first step.

“He is now fit — because he played 40 minutes! But in my opinion a player needs more training before playing 40 minutes.

“I understand it was a very important game, about qualification, but if I’m national coach I don’t put a player in after five or six weeks with only one training session. But that’s my personal opinion.”

Meanwhile Stoke boss Mark Hughes expects Ireland hero Jon Walters to fire up his team as he comes bouncing back into club action.

Walters has rejoined Stoke on a high this week after scoring twice against Bosnia to secure Ireland’s place at Euro 2016. The 32-year-old’s play-off winning effort came just over a week after he signed a new two-and-a-half year contract at the Britannia Stadium. He had been heavily linked with a move away from the club in September.

Hughes said: “He was obviously bounding into training today with a real spring in his step, along with all the other Irish guys.

“We are delighted. It is no coincidence, Jon’s form has been excellent. That spring in his step, that was also to do with him knowing where he is going to be for the next two or three years.

“That continuity he knows he will have now, that enables him to perform at the right level. Ireland certainly benefited from that and I think we will benefit from that in the future.”

Walters had been suspended for the first leg of Ireland’s play-off in Bosnia, a match they drew 1-1, but made up for lost time with both the goals in the 2-0 win in the return in Dublin. Hughes said: “He was biding his time, kicking his heels in the first game. He wanted to play in that but wasn’t allowed to.

“I think all that pent-up frustration he brought to bear on the second leg. He made a huge impact, with not only his goals but his performance as well.”

Hughes will now want Walters to carry the momentum into tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Southampton, as the Potters aim to follow up their impressive win over Chelsea last time out. The form of Walters is one of the factors currently keeping former England forward Peter Crouch out of the side.

Crouch, 34, has not yet started a Premier League game this season and has expressed his frustration.

Hughes, speaking at a press conference to preview the game at Crouch’s former club Southampton, said: “He wants more game time, I am aware of that. I haven’t been able to give him the time on the pitch that he feels he wants but I know, and he knows, that things in football change very quickly. He has just got to be ready when the opportunity presents itself.

“We have got a senior group predominantly under 25, so when everyone is fit players miss out or don’t even get on the bench. Pete is getting on the bench and is close to playing, but is not in the team itself.

“He has just got to be patient because we know it is a long season and injuries, suspensions occur. Things will change, I am sure.”