The high life will suit Long just fine
KEVIN LONG is trying to keep calm as Burnley near an extraordinary European dream but admits he might check his passport is up to date in the next few days.
The centre-back is used to playing around the world with the Republic of Ireland but could not have imagined Continental adventures with his club when he arrived from Cork City eight years ago.
Yet his first league goal for Burnley, which
BURNLEY LEICESTER
followed Chris Wood’s opener, secured a victory that made qualification for next season’s Europa League more than likely.
It left Sean Dyche’s side nine points clear of the Foxes, their closest rivals in the chase for seventh place, which will secure a European berth if the FA Cup winners finish in the top six. That means Clarets fans are praying Southampton do not win the cup and will be cheering on opponents Chelsea in Sunday’s semi-final.
Long, when asked if his passport was up to date, said: “I think so, yes. I have holidays planned for the summer.
“We can only control what we can do, so whatever happens, happens. But European football would be massive. Every footballer wants to play at the highest level and if you are playing European football, you are going to be doing that.”
Burnley last played in Europe when they reached the quarterfinals of the old InterCities Fairs Cup in 1967.
This win was not without controversy, with Leicester manager Claude Puel claiming striker Ashley Barnes should have been sent off for a challenge that left keeper Kasper Schmeichel ankle injury.
It was not without a sweat either, with keeper Nick Pope impressing England boss Gareth Southgate with fine saves from Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy.
England striker Vardy scored his 20th of the season and team-mate Ben Chilwell said: “It’s good for him going into the World Cup in this form. But I’m sure he’ll be saying it’s more about the team than himself.” with an