Mick McCarthy says Shane Long is pushing for an Ireland return ahead of the Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia in March.

The Southampton striker hasn't featured for the Boys in Green since the 1-0 defeat to Wales in the UEFA Nations League in October 2018.

McCarthy had cited a lack of first team football for his main reason in leaving Long out.

However, Long has only missed two of the Saints' 12 Premier League games since November while he scored in the 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Tottenham this week.

McCarthy is delighted with Long's return to form, and first-team action, and it looks like the Tipperary native could add to his 82 caps in the crucial play-off.


In his FAI scouting report, McCarthy said: "He’s been very unlucky with the timing of some of his injuries in the past year. Shane had to withdraw from my first squad with an injury and then missed out again in the summer after reporting in to camp in Dublin.

"I’ve kept in touch with him and kept him in the picture regarding his need for first team football. He’s back in regular action now with Southampton and his goal at Spurs on Wednesday night was a real poacher’s goal, he was in the right place at the right time.

"Shane is playing again and scoring again and that means he is pushing all the right buttons ahead of Slovakia."

McCarthy also dismissed fears over Shane Duffy's fitness for the game.

He said: "I have spoken to Shane and he tells me he will be fine – trust me, if Shane says he will be okay then he will be okay as he has proven to me already in this campaign.


"It was a minor operation and Shane has told me it was better to get it done now and out of the way before we start to work on our preparation for the Slovakia game. That’s good enough for me."