Long gets Irish call

Reading's Shane Long will complete his remarkable rise to stardom tomorrow night when he starts for the Republic of Ireland  in their European qualifier with San Marino.

The Tipperary man joined Reading from Cork City at the same time as fellow striker Kevin Doyle and, indeed, it is the Wexford man's place in the national side that he takes.

Doyle is recuperating well from a hamstring injury but was not fit for inclusion in manager Steve Staunton's squad selection.

Long (20) is one of seven new caps in the squad and earned his call-up following a string of recent impressive goal-scoring appearances for his club in the Premiership.

He pips both Anthony Stokes of Sunderland and Wolves' new signing Andy Keogh for the right to partner Robbie Keane in attack at the Serraville Stadium.

"He's a strong boy who's strong in the air," said Staunton of Keane's new strike partner. "He has a bit of presence about him and he's full of confidence, you can see that in training."

"Some of the younger lads have surprised the senior lads with performances and their quality in training.  It's definitely exciting times and we knew this would happen, but make no bones about it, it's not going to happen overnight," added the manager, all too aware of the weight of expectation resting on young shoulders.

"They are still young lads and it will probably take another 12 months before we see their true potential coming through on a consistent basis. But they are talented."

Long, according to squad-mate Alan Quinn, has been the most impressive of the new arrivals in training, repeatedly catching the eye.

"Shane looks really good in training," the Sheffield United player said.  "He tore us apart when we played Reading in the Premiership, he caused a lot of problems."

Quinn has no doubts that Long will handle the pressure of starting for the senior team.

"It won't bother him.  He's a really down to earth lad.  I don't know him overly well but he'll be fine.  All the young lads can handle it."

Owing to Shay Given's injury and Paddy Kenny's continued absence for personal reasons, Wayne Henderson starts in goal despite not having played a competitive club game since early January.

He recently moved from Brighton to Championship side Preston North End after falling out with his League One employers.

John O'Shea will partner Richard Dunne in defence, so young Paul McShane must be content with a place on the bench.  Ian Harte, recently returned from injury, starts at left back with Steve Finnan continuing in the other pocket.

Damien Duff will play on the right wing and Kevin Kilbane on the left, while the centre will be patrolled by Lee Carsley with creativity coming from Stephen Ireland.

Rep of Ireland v San Marino:  Henderson; Finnan, Dunne, O'Shea, Harte; Duff, Carsley, Ireland, Kilbane; Long, Keane.