Long: 'Disrespectful' to say I deserve starting spot

Shane Long feels it would be 'disrespectful' to say he deserves a starting place in the Republic of Ireland team despite being left frustrated on the bench for long spells of a turbulent year for the national side.

There have been repeated calls from supporters for the in-form Tipperary man to be installed as number one in attack, especially after Euro 2012, where he was stuck to the bench for all but 40 minutes of the disastrous campaign.