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Shane Long and David Meyler. PA Wire/Press Association Images
The Green Invasion

Scouting Report: What's the view in Hull of the Irish contingent in Steve Bruce's squad?

Long, Meyler, Quinn, Brady and McShane ensure there is plenty Irish interest in the fortunes at the KC Stadium.

IN JANUARY, SHANE Long put ink to paper and committed his future to Hull City.

His move from West Brom had previously collapsed last August but after his move to Hull was signed and sealed on this occasion, the Tipperary native was joining a club populated by familiar faces.

David Meyler, Paul McShane, Robbie Brady and Stephen Quinn were already Irish players based at the KC Stadium. The addition of Long swelled the Irish contingent in Steve Bruce’s squad to five.

Hull City are now getting set for an FA Cup semi-final after a season where they look to have consolidated their Premier League status. The home faithful have reacted favourably to the Irish invasion according to Philip Buckingham, football writer for the Hull Daily Mail.

“It’s been a drip, drip arrival really of the Irish players. Paul McShane is the longest serving, he’s been in and out of the club. Then Robbie, Stephen and David came in, they were all a big part of the promotion charge.

“Steve Bruce knows what he gets with an Irish man. He’s publicly bemoaned how loud they are in the dressing-room but they definitely have strengthened the squad and brought a lot to it.”

So what’s the verdict then on the five Irish players in the Hull City squad?

Shane Long

Long is the newest addition and has grabbed three goals in his eleven appearances since then.

“The interest never went away since the plug was pulled on the deal last year”, says Buckingham. “There was a big need to improve Hull’s striking options which led to Long and Nikica Jelavic coming in. They have made a difference in giving the team impetus. Shane has scored big goals against Sunderland and Tottenham.

“I know there’s been some criticism of Shane’s finishing but it’s not something I’d level at him based on what I’ve seen so far. He works incredibly hard, doesn’t seem the precious type and rolls his sleeves up to get stuck in. Steve Bruce believes that he can be a ’15 goal a season’ man.”

Britain Soccer Premier League Shane Long. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

David Meyler

In November 2012, Meyler was signed on loan by Hull City before then signing permanently for the club in January 2013. Since then he has become an integral part of the side.

“It’s a measure of how well he’s done that he’s the only Irish man who’ll probably start in the semi-final”, remarks Buckingham. “Injuries have ruled out some guys while Shane is cup-tied. Meyler was probably behind Stephen Quinn at the start of the season but he’s seized his chance.

“Bruce worships him as he gives everything every single week. He’d run through a brick wall. He play alongside Huddlestone, allowing him to do the prettier stuff, while Meyler get’s stuck in.

“He’s very popular with the fans. They immediately warm to players of that ilk who work so hard. He hit the headlines for that Pardew incident but it was something that Meyler brushed aside quickly. He made light of it.”

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Ham United v Hull City - Upton Park Anthony Devlin Anthony Devlin

Stephen Quinn

Quinn signed for Hull City in August 2012 and was instrumental in them securing promotion from the Championship but has been a peripheral this season in the Premier League.

“When he signed from Shefflield United, he played all but one game in the promotion year”, outlines Buckingham. “He was one of the first names in the team sheet but missed the opening to this season with a hamstring injury.

“He’s never been able to cement a place in the starting side since. It’s got to have been a frustrating season for him. But you never know what way it’ll go, he may get a chance against his old team at the weekend.”

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Hull City v Aston Villa - KC Stadium Stephen Quinn. PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Robbie Brady

After a couple of loan spells, Brady signed on a permanent basis for Hull in 2013. He has been in terrific form since then but injury rules the 22 year-old out of Sunday’s game.

“It’s a crying shame that he is missing”, outlines Buckingham. “He was so good in the opening few months of the season and that was after playing a big part in the promotion year.

“Brady’s goalscoring form was evident as he started the season so well. The he had a hernia operation which turned into a groin injury and he never recovered from that, think they’ve finally got to the bottom of that.

“Hull don’t really have a natural player on the left and they’re missing Brady’s delivery from set pieces. He’s blossoming into a really promising young player.”

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Hull City v Liverpool - KC Stadium Robbie Brady. EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

Paul McShane

Hull City’s longest-serving Irish player has been at the club since 2008 and has amassed over 100 appearances for them but is currently out injured.

“If he’s not the most popular played in the squad, he’s certainly in the top 3″, states Buckingham. “The supporters love him. There’s been a real turnaround since two years ago when he was a victim of the boo boys, along with the chopping and changing in the team.

“He’s not the most technically gifted player but with his application and commitment, you can’t help but warm to the lad. I’m not sure McShane would have seen this happen when Bruce sold him from Sunderland but credit to him for making an impact.

“I think his strongest position is centre-half and when he’s had a run there, he’s done well. When he’s played at full-back during his career, he’s struggled and it’s not been for him.”

Soccer - npower Football League Championship - Hull City v Cardiff City - KC Stadium Paul McShane. Mike Egerton Mike Egerton

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