Irish international Shane Long signs new two-year deal with Premier League Southampton

Republic of Ireland international striker Shane Long has signed a new two-year deal with Premier League Southampton.

The Tipperary native joined the Saints in the summer of 2014 and has since made over 200 appearances for the club.

Eight of Long’s 43 goals for the club have come under new manager Ralph Hasenhüttl who took over the reins of the club eighteen months ago.

“Shane is an outstanding professional. He has been an important player for me, and I know also for the managers before me,” Hasenhüttl said to the Saints media team.

“He has scored some big goals for us and helped to create many more for his teammates too. I think that is one of his top qualities.

“He is a great team player, and someone who has a positive impact on the group as a whole when he plays.

“He is also a player who sets the right example for our youngsters to follow in how he conducts himself on and off the pitch, so this is good news for us that we will have him as part of the squad for another two years.”

And the Irishman added: “I love the way the club is run; I love what the club stands for and I’m excited about what the club will do over the next couple of years.

“I can see the club pushing up the league, back to where we all want to be, and I want to be part of that. I’m just delighted to get it done.”