Shane Long: 'Germany win must mean something'

Shane Long has urged his Republic of Ireland teammates to make their Germany heroics count for something ahead of Sunday's crucial trip to Poland.

Martin O'Neill's side round off their Group D campaign for Euro 2016 qualifying in Warsaw tomorrow, with the Irish knowing that a win would see them pip their Polish counterparts to automatic qualification.

Long was the hero on Thursday as the Boys in Green beat the world champions 1-0 in Dublin, but the Southampton ace warns that it could all be in vain for Ireland - who are guaranteed a playoff spot - if they do not win in Poland.

"We had a big win the other night and we enjoyed it on Thursday night and we were talking about it on Friday, but since then, it's just been focusing on this game," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"They [Poland] got a good result against Scotland and they are going to be on a high as well, but you know, Germany was a great result, but we need to make it mean something and the only way it means something is if we qualify for the Euros.

"It would make the goal on Thursday a bit more meaningful if it helped us get to the Euros. It was a great night, but we have got to focus on Poland now. As I said, we have got to make it mean something."

With five goals conceded, O'Neill's men have the best defensive record in the group.