Shane Long has spoken of his desire to break back into the Ireland set-up for the Euro 2020 play-offs next month.
Mick McCarthy hasn't picked Long since returning to the Republic hot-seat - the 33-year-old hasn't featured in the qualifying campaign at all.
However Long is enjoying a revival at Southampton as Danny Ings' partner up front and last night McCarthy praised his "athleticism and sharpness" having watched Southampton's loss to Burnley last Saturday.
"He’s back where we need him to be to push for a place on the plane to Slovakia which is good news," said McCarthy.
Long, who was named in the provisional squad for the New Zealand and Denmark games in November but didn't make the final cut, maintains there has been no falling out.
Speaking to Southampton's official website, Long said: “Obviously not being in the squad here, the manager of Ireland decided to pick players who were playing at club level and I was overlooked.
"I spoke to him about it, we kept it very civil, he told me his reasons and I accepted that.
“It was tough because I was really looking forward to it at the time and I needed that game time.
"I wanted something to clear my head because I wasn’t involved here, so that was a killer blow for me.
“I think it was the first squad since I’ve got into the Ireland team where I’ve been fit but not selected. It was tough for me to take – another body blow, as I say, but I’ve got over it."
Long added: “I’m still in touch with the manager – we haven’t fallen out or anything.
"He keeps texting when I’m playing, saying ‘good game today’ and keeping me encouraged.
“It’s about keeping my place in the squad so when it does come to picking that Ireland team I am involved, because they’re massive games.
“I pride myself on playing for my country. I love playing for Ireland so I want to do everything I can to get into that next squad.
“I’ve experienced major tournaments twice before – the atmosphere and the Ireland fans are amazing. The first time you’re a bit oblivious to what’s going on, but the second time you appreciate it a bit more.
“The older you get in your career there’s not many more chances or possibilities to get to occasions like that, which makes you hungrier and more eager to do everything you can to get there.
“We’ve got a good squad, we were unlucky in the group stages. We had a tough group and just came up short. We deserve our chance to go through the back-door way".
