AFTER TONIGHT’S DRAMA, it’s back to work tomorrow morning at Fota, according to Shane Long.
The Tipperary native came on as a second-half substitute and played a big part in Ireland pulling a goal back against Belarus.
Martin O’Neill’s side lost their final warm-up game before the Euros at Turner’s Cross and the Ireland manager then revealed the 23 men he’s bringing to France.
“It’s weird now,” Long said afterwards. ”We’re all really close in the squad – people can see that. It’s a weird feeling because you feel bad for the lads not travelling.
“But tomorrow we’ll have training and we’ll be fully focused on that game against Sweden and put tonight behind us. I’m just looking forward to being a part of it now, I’ve been waiting four or five months so I can’t wait.”
He added: “This is the hardest decision any Ireland’s manager has had to make in a long time because everyone in that squad had a fighting case of being in. It’s tough you know, I’ve been there before.
“It’s hard, when you’re not involved and you’re in the stands and watching the games or in this case the lads aren’t even travelling so it’s a hard one to take. But I’m sure they’ll be right behind us and we can do the job for them.”
The Saints striker will be Ireland’s talisman up front at the championships and he says he’s looking forward to making an impact.
“I’ve been playing week in week out for Southampton and that makes a difference,” he said.
“I feel good on the pitch, I feel like I can score a few goals and hopefully I can keep this form going until the Sweden game. We have a lot of training sessions between now and then but I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully I can get a good performance out there and kick on.
“I can’t wait now. There’s a big buzz around the country and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
