SELFLESS Shane Long says he is happy to do the dirty work as long as Southampton strike partner Danny Ings keeps banging in the goals.
Ings has fired himself into contention for an England call-up after finding the net 15 times in the Premier League this season, only two fewer than top-scorer Jamie Vardy.
Shane Long is happy to keep doing the dirty work as long as Danny Ings keeps scoringCredit: AP:Associated Press
The former Liverpool star’s scoring spree has coincided with being paired with Republic of Ireland international Long.
Long, whose side host struggling Aston Villa today, said: “I think we get each other.
“I have a bit of experience, so I think he understands what I’m going to do, and he’s a talented footballer as well.
“I don’t mind throwing myself about, upsetting defenders and holding the ball up, and that allows him to get time in the box where he’s lethal. He’s a brilliant finisher.
“Don’t get me wrong, he’s good with his build-up play as well, but any chance we can get for me to do the work and get him into the box, it’s always good for the team – as you can see.
“Fifteen goals in the Premier League this season, and a lot more to come.
He’s one of the top strikers in the league at finishing, so you want to get him in the box.”
In contrast to in-form Ings, Long has managed only one Premier League goal since April.
He added: “For me it is all about results at the moment.
“We’re on 31 points now and we’re looking up rather than looking down.
“As long as Danny doesn’t stop scoring, it takes the pressure off me a bit!”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
