Shane Long

Shane Long, born on January 22, 1987, is an accomplished Irish former professional footballer who made his mark as a striker. His journey in football began at Cork City, where he showcased his talent before moving to Reading. During his time at Reading, Long achieved notable success, including scoring three goals in ten substitute appearances during the Championship-winning campaign of two thousand and six. He also played a pivotal role in guiding his team to the fourth round of the FA Cup by defeating Liverpool in a thrilling third-round replay match in two thousand ten, earning a player of the season award for his contributions.

In 2011, Long signed with Premier League side West Bromwich Albion for a fee of six million pounds, further solidifying his reputation in English football. His career continued to flourish as he joined Hull City in January two thousand fourteen, followed by a move to Southampton in August of the same year. One of the highlights of his career came on April 23, 2019, when he scored the fastest goal in Premier League history, a testament to his striking prowess.

On the international stage, Long made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2007. Over a remarkable fourteen-year career with the national team, he earned eighty-eight caps and scored seventeen goals, becoming a key figure in Irish football.