Price Boost: In-form Shane Long backed to provide Irish inspiration

Shane Long has stated his intention to take over the Republic of Ireland’s goalscoring mantle from Robbie Keane and the in-form Hull City striker looks to be a standout selection to net first against Serbia.

The former West Brom man has been boosted from 11/2 to 7/1 to open proceedings at the Aviva Stadium with Ladbrokes and that could well be a decision the bookmakers pay for when Martin O’Neill’s side line-up in Dublin.

The Irish boss remains unbeaten in his new role following a 3-0 win over Latvia, a match where Long was on the scoresheet, and a creditable 0-0 draw in Poland.

And now he’ll be hoping his boys in green can continue that run in this crucial warm-up for the Republic’s upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

Long is set to play a pivotal role for his country in Ireland’s quest to reach the finals and the 27–year-old can provide much-needed support for record goalscorer Robbie Keane.

Two goals in his last five games for Hull, coupled with three goals in his previous seven home friendly matches while wearing the national team’s jersey highlights the greater consistency the industrious forward is aiming for.

And playing with a team who’ve won each of their last three non-competitive fixtures on home turf, scoring nine goals without reply in the process, can surely only help Long’s goalscoring efforts.

The Republic of Ireland are 6/4 to record a sixth home friendly win in their last seven matches, with Serbia the 2/1 outsiders for victory and the draw made available at 11/5.

With Long in the team the hosts will be confident of extending their unbeaten streak under O’Neill and those banking on the Hull striker firing his side into the lead can now benefit from Ladbrokes’ latest enhancement.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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