Shane Long has been left out of the Ireland squad by manager Mick McCarthy but could return for the Euro 2020 play-off clash against Slovakia next month. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Shane Long says his omission from the Ireland squad was "tough" but he insists there has been no falling out with Mick McCarthy.

The Ireland manager had talked up Long's chances of earning a place in the squad, and also playing a role, in the Euro 2020 playoff away to Slovakia.

Long has not played for the national team since McCarthy took over and has not even made the squad as McCarthy omitted the veteran due to what the lack of first team football.

Long (33) is enjoying a revival with his club and in an interview with the club's website, he's keen to revive his Ireland career after that fallow spell.

"It's massive for me," he told Southampton's website.

"Obviously not being in the squad here, the manager of Ireland decided to pick players who were playing at club level and I was overlooked. I spoke to him about it, we kept it very civil, he told me his reasons and I accepted that.

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"It was tough because I was really looking forward to it at the time and I needed that game time. I wanted something to clear my head because I wasn’t involved here, so that was a killer blow for me.

"I think it was the first squad since I’ve got into the Ireland team where I've been fit but not selected. It was tough for me to take – another body blow, as I say, but I've got over it.

"I'm still in touch with the manager – we haven't fallen out or anything. He keeps texting when I'm playing, saying 'good game today' and keeping me encouraged.

"It's about keeping my place in the squad so when it does come to picking that Ireland team I am involved, because they’re massive games.

"I pride myself on playing for my country. I love playing for Ireland so I want to do everything I can to get into that next squad," Long added.

"To get the winning goal that could send us to the Euros against Northern Ireland would be something I'd be very proud of.

"I've experienced major tournaments twice before – the atmosphere and the Ireland fans are amazing. The first time you're a bit oblivious to what's going on, but the second time you appreciate it a bit more.

"The older you get in your career there's not many more chances or possibilities to get to occasions like that, which makes you hungrier and more eager to do everything you can to get there.

"We've got a good squad; we were unlucky in the group stages. We had a tough group and just came up short.

"We deserve our chance to go through the back-door way.

"It's up to us – we've got two games to win and it won’t be easy. I'm going to be doing everything I can to be a part of it."

Online Editors