Southampton boss Ronald Koeman puts faith in Shane Long

Ronald Koeman has backed Shane Long to spearhead Southampton’s attack at Manchester City in the absence of suspended top-scorer Graziano Pelle.

Boss Koeman believes Long can lead Saints’ line in tomorrow’s Premier League trip to the Etihad Stadium, with 14-goal Pelle banned after picking up five bookings this term.

Long returned to club action after ankle trouble and helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for Euro 2016 for the 1-0 home loss to Stoke, deployed in behind lone striker Pelle.