Speaking exclusively with BoyleSports, former Championship Star Shane Long has given his insights into all things EFL.
The former Republic of Ireland international has also reflected on his time with Ireland and tips James McClean and Jon Walter for Boxing Bouts.
Iraola: Tottenham’s Target or Bournemouth’s Visionary?
Bournemouth have a new training ground, and they have an unbelievable set-up although the ground is still quite small, but Tottenham are always going to be a bigger club.
They are going to have more pull when it comes to managers, but it'll take a lot of persuading to let him go because of the philosophy he's built down there, the belief he's got in the players and the squad he's assembled.
He’s wanted by Tottenham for a reason and the potential of being Tottenham manager would stand out, although he might have his hands tied by Daniel Levy. But the stadium, the training ground, the players, if he is offered it you wouldn’t expect him to turn it down.
Russell Martin: The Perfect Fit for Rangers’ Dominance?
Would Russell Martin be a success at Rangers? He plays a lovely style of football, passing it out from the back and he gets that kind of belief in the players to do it, go out there and show it.
In that league, Rangers need to play that way to dominate teams because teams are going to sit back in and defend so you need to be able to pass it around and open up gaps and spaces.
He's played up there as well, so it does make sense for him to go back. I've met him a few times and he’s a lovely guy. He loves the game of football, he lives and breathes it, and I think to be a manager at Rangers or Celtic, you need to have that extra love for the game, and he's definitely got that.
Virgil van Dijk: The Premier League’s Greatest Defender?
Is Virgil van Dijk the best defender in Premier League history? Well, I do think the game has changed. Back in the day, John Terry and Nemanja Vidic were no-nonsense.
Obviously, Terry could play a bit as well. We also had Rio Ferdinand and there's always going to be an argument for me about Vincent Kompany, he was amazing for Manchester City.
But having played with Virgil and played against him, you can't pick out a bad element of his game. He's dominant in the air, he's strong and you never see him sprint because he's always in the right position beforehand.
You very rarely see him doing a slide tackle or anything because he's always winning the ball and cutting up the attacks. He's got that reputation for a reason. He's been immense going to Liverpool.
I remember when he left Southampton and Manchester City were in for him as well. He ended up picking Liverpool and we were all kind of asking why?
But now you can see why. He could see the prospect that Liverpool were going to become. He just excels and I can only say good things about Virgil. It's quite annoying actually how good he is!”
Celtic Near Misses
The first time I was at Reading I ended up leaving to play for West Brom under Roy Hodgson, but Celtic were in for me too.
I was very close to going to Celtic, there was also a transfer window when I was at Southampton when I wasn’t really playing in which I felt I needed to leave to play football, Celtic were in for me then too.
It was very close to happening but there was an injury, and I broke back into the team. The move didn’t happen in the end and a good friend of mine is now one of the owners and he always asks me why it didn’t happen.
Obviously being Irish and having that opportunity was really appealing to me but sadly it never happened.
James McClean: From Pitch to Punch?
Could James McClean be a success in influencer boxing? You never know. He's got an engine on him, so he's got the fitness for boxing, and he always kept himself in the best shape possible.
I've never actually seen him fight, so I don't know. I've never seen him throw a punch, but if it's one of his hobbies, then why not?
He's got the personality to go out there and entertain the crowd as well. So, never say never.
James McClean vs KSI
Could James McClean beat KSI? I think size is a big thing in boxing. I don't know the weight difference there, but I'd back McClean against anyone. He's an angry little terrier, so he could do a bit of damage to anyone.
Jon Waters: Football’s Strongman a Boxing Contender?
I'd say, Jon Waters. He is one of the strongest men I've ever met in my own entire life. He used to pin centre-backs that were like a foot taller than him and just throw them around the pitch. So he's got that strength. I don't know if he's any good at boxing, but yeah, I'd back him in a fight.
Dream Ireland 5 A Side Team
Shay Given. One of the best Irish goalkeepers ever and he's been there and done it in the Premier League for a long, long time. Yeah, Shay would have to go and goal. His shot-stopping is a joke.
One defender that would have to be Richard Dunne. The one thing that surprised me about Dunne, obviously he was unbelievable in the air and threw himself in front of every shot and was defensively brilliant, but he was quick.
He was fast. Once he got going, he ate up ground and I think he surprised a lot of strikers with how quick he was.
Two midfielders, I would go Duff. Duffer in midfield. Left foot, dribbling, passing, knowledge of the game.
I think I'd have to go to John O'Shea. He could play at the back as well but get him into midfield. Control of the ball. I think you need a bit of a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder, so they complement each other well.
Up front would have to be Robbie Keane. His record for Ireland I think is underappreciated. He's got 66 goals or something playing for Ireland and it's a joke. If he'd done that for Brazil or Argentina, there'd be statues of him.
Considering the amount of chances he got in the game and the amount of times he scored; it was just clinical finishing. You'd see it every day in training. I'll put myself on the bench.
“Dream” Ireland Player
Right foot? Robbie Keane
Left foot? Damien Duff
Heading? Shane Duffy
Speed? I have to put myself in there.
Strength? Jonny Walters, an animal of a man
Leadership? Roy Keane
Technique? Liam Brady, magician
Best Defensive Opponent
I played with him as well, probably Virgil. It's always a toss-up between him and Kompany, but I'd probably go with Virgil.
Underrated Teammate
Stephen Davis at Southampton. He was one of the players that you didn't realise how good he was until you played with him.
Toughest Ground
Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace. The fans there are brilliant and for some reason, they hated me, so it was always tough for me to play there.
Best Atmosphere
Anfield, I'd say. I'm not a Liverpool fan around them, but during You’ll Never Walk Alone, the place is bouncing and it's a nice atmosphere to play in.
Best Manager
Probably Ronald Koeman at Southampton. I just loved everything about him. He really got the best out of me and my best two and a half years as a player was under him as manager, so it's no coincidence.
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