Everyone loves Shane Long.
He is handsome, he plays the guitar, he was a hurler, he works like a dog every time he pulls on a jersey, that goal against Germany and he is very generous to fans.
But, up until New Year’s Day, he had gone a very long time without scoring a goal for his club.
A very long time. You are going back to Southampton’s 4-2 Premier League win over Manchester City on May 1st for the last time the Tipperary man found the net for the Saints.
His sole goal this season, before Saturday, came in Ireland’s 3-1 win over Moldova (think of Wes Hoolahan’s filthy through ball, that one).
But that all changed against West Brom on New Year’s Eve, as the striker grabbed his seventh league goal of the season and first in 24 games.
It came from Dusan Tadic corner in the 41st minute. Long begins at the far post but makes a dash towards Tadic.
He has caught the West Brom defence flat-footed and is now favourite to meet the Serbian’s superb delivery.
Sure enough, the Republic of Ireland striker sends a powerful header beyond the rooted Ben Foster.
Finally, a chance to spread those arms in celebration.
It has been a while.
Unfortunately goals from Matthew Phillips and Hal Robson-Kanu gave West Brom a 2-1 lead with an hour gone.
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