Ralph Hasenhüttl explains why he's still proud of Shane Long | OneFootball

Shane Long has yet to score at all in 11 appearances this season but Ralph Hasenhüttl believes the Ireland international is still an all-important member of his Southampton squad.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Hasenhüttl explained how it’s not exactly what the 32-year-old does with the ball that has attention.

“He may not be the most clinical, maybe because he is working a lot and gets the chance when he is not 100 per cent fresh or he might be struggling with power and energy in that moment.

“When you do so much for the team it is more important than scoring sometimes.

“He is the perfect example of how quick things can change and how quickly it can happen that you are back in the first eleven.

“You have to grab the chance with both hands and this is what I always tell my players when they are not in the squad or not in the 18.

“The moment will come, and they have to be there to grab the chance with both hands and he is always working hard and is always positive.

“From his mentality and his character, he is a fantastic professional.”

Southampton will have a huge bottom-table six-pointer this weekend when they host West Ham.