Long determined to force his way into Trap's qualifier plans

Shane Long is determined to force his way into Giovanni Trapattoni’s World Cup plans after working his way back into Republic of Ireland contention.

The 25-year-old West Brom striker was handed a rare start in last night’s 1-0 friendly defeat by Greece at the Aviva Stadium after finding himself back in favour with the Italian following a misunderstanding over an injury earlier this season.