Kevin Long

A very reliable back-up option. A 'solid citizen' as the long-cancelled Big Ron was wont to say.

I'd feel far happier with Long in our back four in an important game than, say, Lenihan.

Edited by NewtNewbie - 08 Jul 2020 at 8:31pm

Did all the simple stuff i must say now close to scoring from a corner but did dive in and missed the ball on the touch line and the winger got away .

Other than that played very well .

Lansdowne Road debut aged 52 and 201 days .

Starts again today, he's doing really well for someone only supposed to be a bit part player.

Could be a case that he hits his peak late in his career.

Edited by Left foot - 11 Jul 2020 at 2:58pm

Played well again today in a Burnley draw away at Anfield.

If he keeps going like this I feel that he'll play his way into the Ireland squad and maybe into the first team.

With Duffy and Clark looking unlikely to see game time for the remainder of the season you could see a defence

Coleman Egan Long

Doherty Stevens

We won’t play a back three. Can see him in the squad though

You asked if I'd be anyone from history, fact or fiction, dead or alive:
I said "I'd be Tony Cascarino, circa 1995"

aviva8 wrote:

I taught he was solid again tonight

Not the easiest thing to teach, fair play to you.

Was really worried for him when he twisted his knee, but luckily looks ok. Been impressed with him in these recent games. Doesn't look world class or anything, but very decent and reliable. A good option.

Mr Brick wrote:

NewtNewbie wrote:

Long should certainly be in the squad, Duffy should certainly be in the the team.

Coleman isn't a centre-half, and Kenny isn't going with a back three.

Sentiment alone puts Shane Duffy in the team - not form. He's had a troubled season at Brighton. Graham Potter doesn't rate him - and Duffy's confidence in his few starts looked affected. Stephen Kenny also likes to play out of defence - and let's face it, Duffy is a hoofer. Sadly, his walk-up start must now be under pressure. It could open the door for Long.

Duffy's made 20 appearances for Brighton this season, including 14 starts. Long didn't start a league game for Burnley until 5 July. It's difficult to argue Long's enjoyed the better campaign.

This notwithstanding, neither are all that great on the ball, and Duffy remains one of our better players. Kenny's going with a back four, and centre-halves with ability on the ball is less important than it is in a back three.

We simply don't have the resources to pick players based on a manager's preferred playing style. Most of our first xi more or less picks itself.