Southampton striker Shane Long has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers with a groin injury.
Ireland are under new management, with Mick McCarthy back in charge for a second spell, and Long is one of the most experienced members of his squad with 82 caps to his name.
But the 32-year-old was forced off with injury in Saints’ last game before the international break, against Tottenham Hotspur, having come on as a half-time substitute.
Long had hoped to feature in Ireland’s opening qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia this month, but will now return to Staplewood to aid his recovery.