Change of scenery could do Long world of good
THE reopening of the transfer window could mean a breath of fresh air for some Irish players.
Of the regulars in Martin O’Neill’s squad, the big question is, will Shane Long leave Southampton?
As we know he has not scored since February but the striker has had chances at Southampton this season and he may have been given assurances that his place is safe within the club.
But this is obviously a difficult time for him and a change of scenery could do him the world of good.
I don’t know his state of mind, or how he feels about his situation, but he has a young, settled family to consider and he only signed a new contract last year.
No one else really stands out among the Irish players in England as potential January movers.
A good number are performing well in the Championship this season, so why would they move?
Matt Doherty (Wolves), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), John Egan (Brentford) and Eunan O’Kane (Leeds) are doing well and I have my own interest in the lads at Preston – Alan Browne is having a good run and Daryl Horgan is close to the team again.
These are players who are too valuable at the moment to their clubs. They’re all within a good shout of the play-offs and getting regular games in the Championship.
It’s hard to see lower Premier League clubs taking a risk on them. They’re looking for experience and if they want to take a risk, they’ll look abroad.
It’s not ideal, but as the short list above proves, there is nothing wrong with perseverance.