#5 Shane Long:
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It is no secret that any team harbouring intentions of making a mark in international football need a decent forward to rely upon for goals. For the Irish, Shane Long is that man. The 29-year-old is no stranger to the international stage, having been a part of the national team since 2007.
Since his debut, Long has made 63 appearances for Ireland and scored 16 goals. Long, however, brings much more than just goals, to a team. A workhorse, his relentless pressing of opposition defenders deep in their own half ensures the chances of the opposition to play out from defence is extremely limited.
Although not one of the taller players around, Long possesses an excellent leap which makes him very dangerous in the air. In times of need, when the Irish are chasing a game, route 1 is most often a long punt up to Long, who holds up the ball well for arriving support.
On Sunday, Long will be hoping to have a go at a makeshift France defence that has not inspired much confidence, and if provided with decent service into the box, might very well be the catalyst for an upset.
