Player: Shane Long

• Full name: Shane Patrick Long
• Date of birth: 22 January 1987
• Place of birth: Gortnahoe, County Tipperary, Republic of Ireland
• Nationality: Republic of Ireland
• Position: Forward / Striker (can also play on the wing)
• Height: ~1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)

Club career (selected highlights):

• Cork City (youth / early career)
• Reading (2005–2011) – Breakthrough in English football; established himself in the Championship and Premier League with Reading.
• West Bromwich Albion (2011–2014) – Regular Premier League appearances and goals.
• Sunderland (2014–2016) – Continued Premier League spells.
• Southampton (2016–2022) – Notable period: reliable squad striker, scored important goals including a club-record fast Premier League goal and several late winners; known for pace and direct style.
• Recent move: After Southampton, he joined AFC Bournemouth on loan and later moved to other clubs; career continued beyond his Southampton spell.

International career:

• Republic of Ireland senior team debut in 2007.
• Accumulated over 80 caps and scored over 15 goals for Ireland (figures approximate depending on cut-off date).
• Featured in qualifying campaigns and friendlies; provided experience and goals for the national side.

Playing style and notes:

• Known for pace, work rate, direct running and ability to press defenders.
• Capable of scoring both poacher's goals and long-range efforts; also contributes with assists and hold-up play when required.
• Remembered by Southampton fans for several late-game winners and important contributions over multiple seasons.

Honours & records (selected):

• Premier League record: scored the fastest goal in Premier League history for Southampton in a season (and held notable very quick goal records during his career) — specific timings and records may vary by source and season.
• Club honours include promotion with Reading (if applicable during his time) and various individual match/club awards.

Note: Caps, goals and club details are accurate up to mid-2020s; for the most current statistics and club status, refer to the latest club or national team sources.