Shane Long ruled out for up to four weeks with ankle ligament injury

Southampton and Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long has been ruled out for up to four weeks after suffering an ankle ligament injury on international duty.

The 28-year-old was injured in the Republic's 2-1 defeat by Poland last Sunday and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman told reporters on Thursday: "The Shane injury is a disappointment. It's an ankle ligament injury and he will be out for two to four weeks - that's a disappointment."

Long now faces a race to be fit for Ireland's Euro 2016 playoff in a month's time, the two-legged ties scheduled between November 12 and November 17 and the draw taking place on Sunday.