Newcastle United’s Rob Elliot has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial final Euro 2016 group qualifying game against Poland in Warsaw on Sunday.
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Both men are now the toast of their respective country, but for Long there is still work to do if he is to join his Saints teammate at the Euros.
Gareth McAuley admits he cried when he embraced lifelong pal Aaron Hughes, who is Northern Ireland’s most-capped outfield player with 96 appearances, as they celebrated heading to France in the twilight of their careers.
What about the best third-place finish over all the groups?
Ireland soaked up pressure from the world champions in the first half, but Germany only went close on two occasions in front of a packed Aviva Stadium.
“When we go out there we’ve got a plan, and we believe in that plan and we carry it out”. We knew it was going to be a hard group.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is optimistic Germany will get the job done at the Red Bull Arena.
His message to Dallas was a simple one, but also effectively highlighted just how far the 24-year-old has come in such a short space of time.
A win for Ireland over Poland, meanwhile, would secure at least second place and automatic qualification at the expense of the Euro 2012 co-hosts.
If he is hoping his heroics against Germany might earn him a starting berth for his country, though, he is probably mistaken.
Despite the elation at the end of the game, Long was obviously disappointed beforehand when he found out he was not starting. Last time they met was March of this year with a 1-1 draw.
Only five of the starting XI against Greece ply their trade in the Premier League, and most of those in its lower reaches.
Now that qualification has been secured, O’Neill does not want to simply make up the numbers in France and felt his side are capable of making an impact as he reflected on their achievement.
“I’m usually pretty cool when I’m fighting, I don’t have trouble sleeping because I’m the one in control, but I was nervous for the game”.
Long added: “It was wonderful”.
“I was delighted to get on the scoresheet but credit to everyone of the players and the management”.
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That made it three goals in a week for Davis, after his equaliser in Saints’ remarkable 3-1 Premier League win at Chelsea last Saturday.
