Shane Long: Southampton striker agrees new two-year deal

Southampton forward Shane Long has agreed a new two-year contract extension at St Mary's.

The Republic of Ireland striker had been approaching the end of his existing deal this summer, but is now set to remain with Saints until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 33-year-old, who joined Southampton in August 2014, has been an important part of Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad since the manager took the helm 18 months ago.

Hasenhuttl, who also signed a four-year extension this week, said: "He has been an important player for me and I know also for the managers before me.

"He has scored some big goals for us and helped to create many more for his team-mates too.

"I think that is one of his top qualities. He is a great team player, and someone who has a positive impact on the group as a whole when he plays.

"He is also a player who sets the right example for our youngsters to follow in how he conducts himself on and off the pitch, so this is good news for us that we will have him as part of the squad for another two years."

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Long added: "I love the way the club is run, I love what the club stands for and I'm excited about what the club will do over the next couple of years.

"I can see the club pushing up the league, back to where we all want to be, and I want to be part of that. I'm just delighted to get it done."

Sky Sports will show 64 live Premier League games when the season resumes. In addition to the 39 matches already scheduled to be broadcast exclusively live on Sky Sports before the coronavirus interruption, 25 more matches will be available on both Sky Sports Premier League and Sky's free-to-air Pick channel, allowing the whole nation to be part of the return of live sport.