'Wanted to storm out' - Shane Long opens up on 'one of the lowest' moments during Irish career

Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long discussed one of the lowest points during his international career in a recent interview.

The 36-year-old Reading attacker, who has won 88 caps for the Boys in Green since his senior debut in 2007, mentioned a particular moment when he "knew that the writing was on the wall" in terms of his future in the Irish setup.

Speaking on the 'Kay And Ash, Share Your Voice' podcast, the Tipperary native explained how he was unknowingly given the role of passing his number nine jersey to Adam Idah - who was new to Stephen Kenny's squad at the time.

Long remarked: "When you come into the ranks you get a high number in the Ireland squad.

"You kind of earned your number in the squad. Once Kevin [Doyle] had left international football and gone to America, I was given the number nine shirt. I was so proud to have that number, and I had it for years. 

"Stephen Kenny called me into the squad. He called me, Seamus Coleman and Darren Randolph. He wanted to start a new tradition of welcoming new players - give them their first Ireland jersey. I had a little speech saying how proud I was to make my first appearance, just introducing them to the team, which I thought was a great idea.

"So Seamus Coleman steps up, I think he had Dara O'Shea and gives him the number 23 jersey. Randolph stepped up, I think it was Caoimhin Kelleher he gave the jersey to, another high number. And then I stepped up and it was Adam Idah, and I was delighted because he's Cork city, he's a bit of a culchie like myself, a young guy, big potential.

"So I gave a speech and I held up the shirt, and on the back it was number nine. I remember just handing that jersey over and I wanted to storm out of that room. And if it was at club level I would have left, that would have been me gone.

He added: "That was a manager making a statement. Adam hadn't made an appearance for Ireland, he hadn't earned the shirt. I spent so many years trying to earn that number.

"That was one of the lowest. I didn't want to take away from Adam, it was a big moment for him. I went straight to the kit man and asked him who picks the numbers, and he said the gaffer. So I knew then that the writing was on the wall."

The former Southampton forward has scored 17 times for his country to date, including a memorable goal against Germany in 2015. Long's last international appearance came against Qatar in March 2021.