---
title: "Can Long’s winner help the forward into Koeman’s plans?"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/10/10/can-longs-winner-help-forward-koemans-plans/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2015-10-10T12:03:59Z"
modified: "2015-10-10T12:03:59Z"
---

# Can Long’s winner help the forward into Koeman’s plans?

It is clear to see that this season; Southampton have some serious firepower up front. With goals starting to flow for the Saints as of late, Shane Long has been pushed out of the first team; and he’ll be hoping to change that.

The 28-year old forward last night scored a wonderful individual goal against world champions Germany on international duty for his native Republic of Ireland, to give them a historic 1-0 win, and with this kind of impact performance from the bench, Long can only hope to force his way into Southampton manager Ronald Koeman’s plans.

![Ian Walton/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/10/4918653561.jpg)

Long has made just 4 appearances in the Premier League this season, and has been largely kept out of the side in the forward position due to Graziano Pelle’s fine start to the campaign. Long’s only goal in the league came on the first day of the season, as he managed to salvage a point for Southampton away at Newcastle – from the bench. It’s been very difficult for Long to get a good run of games in the last two seasons due to constantly changing systems or players being very simply in too good form.

This has proved true yet again this term. Graziano Pelle has shown time and time again just how good he is leading the line for The Saints, and that he’s not just a finisher; but an all round brilliant player. Dusan Tadic on the wing has been in brilliant form after finding his feet again and showing just what he can do with confidence and good fitness under his belt; demonstrating just why he is so important to this Southampton side. Making up the regular front three for Southampton has been, of course, Sadio Mane. The Senegalese forward has been simply unplayable at times, as shown away at Chelsea most recently, and therefore he has been another keeping Long out of the team.

It is a very difficult situation for Ronald Koeman when selecting his Southampton side, because it seems as though the wealth of depth we currently possess in the striking positions is too much to pick from – who’d have thought that a couple of years ago? It seems as though Long is far too good to be sitting on the bench every week; but how can you drop players who are playing out of their skins? It’s a very, very tough call.Another factor in Long’s struggle to make his way into the first team is from the return of Jay Rodriguez, and of course the summer signature of Spanish striker Juanmi. With two more attacking options on the bench alongside Long; it will be extremely difficult for him to make an impression without getting a start; but that is looking unlikely. The £12 million man will simply need to make the most of his chances when he gets them, as it is clear to see that Long has the ability, the determination and the charisma to score goals and perform well for Southampton – it’s just a matter of taking his chances when it matters.

![Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/10/4824095841.jpg)

Despite the heavy competition he faces; Long can return to Southampton full of confidence after a wonderful victory against Germany for his country, and, hopefully a win for his Ireland side in Warsaw against Poland. He will then be hoping that Ronald Koeman can give him more game time as the season progresses.

Would you start Shane Long ahead of anyone in the current first team? Comment down bellow or tweet us @ReadSouthampton