Advertisement
INPHO/James Crombie

Back in green: Best called up to Irish squad, as West Brom rule out Long

The Newcastle striker has been belatedly rewarded for his fine Premier League form this season.

NEWCASTLE STRIKER LEON Best has been called up to the Ireland squad after Shane Long’s absence was all-but-confirmed today.

Despite many critics calling for his inclusion, Best was initially left out of the squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 playoff games against Estonia.

Both Best and his manager Alan Pardew expressed surprise at Trapattoni’s decision to omit him from the initial squad, despite a series of fine performances in the Premier League, which have helped guide his club to third place in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the BBC are reporting that, in addition to Long, John O’Shea looks likely to miss out.

His manager Steve Bruce confirmed the player was unlikely to be fit for the game, saying:

“He’s certainly got no chance for Saturday and looking at the first game for Ireland next Friday, I would have thought he’s a huge doubt for that as well, which is a shame for the lad.”

The first leg of the playoff in Tallinn is on 11 November, with the return leg in Dublin taking place four days later.

Read: ‘Sharp’ Robbie determined to be ready for Tallinn>

Read: Words of wisdom: here’s our 17 favourite Roy Keane quotes>

Close
13 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Silent P
    Favourite Silent P
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 3:39 PM

    About time. Thankfully Trap has a number of quality goal scorers at his disposal. Competition for places is healthy. Should keep players minds focused.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Dunphy
    Favourite Jimmy Dunphy
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 4:03 PM

    Why did it take so long to Best in the squad

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Dunphy
    Favourite Jimmy Dunphy
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 4:04 PM

    Why did it take so for Best to be in the squad

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Dunphy
    Favourite Jimmy Dunphy
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 4:05 PM

    “I GIVE UP”

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cormac Flanagan
    Favourite Cormac Flanagan
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 8:57 PM

    Bad day jimmy

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Toureag
    Favourite Toureag
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 8:39 PM

    Leon Best, it’s good to have you back!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Cahill
    Favourite Kevin Cahill
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 5:40 PM

    Finally!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jrbmc
    Favourite jrbmc
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 8:53 PM

    It’s about time but will he get a run out at all!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Billie Hetfield
    Favourite Billie Hetfield
    Report
    Nov 4th 2011, 2:35 AM

    Stokes shouldn’t even be considered. Wouldn’t want him to get tired.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Clavin
    Favourite Andrew Clavin
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 9:15 PM

    he will give a different dimension against estonia…long…doyle …keane…keogh…cox…pretty much do the same!
    Best can cause trouble in estonia….keane and best to start?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Breslin
    Favourite Kevin Breslin
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 10:24 PM

    Shame Keane is back. Long wouldn’t have started anyways. Trap would have played Cox & Walters first(could have been an exciting partnership)

    Anthony Stokes deserves a shot as a wildcard- a sub that could get that vital goal late in the match.

    Walters & Cox to hopefully start against Estonia

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon McGrath
    Favourite Simon McGrath
    Report
    Nov 3rd 2011, 11:20 PM

    Himself and stokes should have been called up

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Murphy™
    Favourite Alan Murphy™
    Report
    Nov 4th 2011, 11:22 PM

    Hope he scores a hat trick to rub their noses in it. Tbh a hat trick from anyone and I will settle for that!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.