Shane Long has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers because of a hamstring injury.

The Saints striker returned to form in style with four goals in the last seven Premier League games of the season.

But he missed the back-to-back Euro 2020 wins against Gibraltar and Georgia in March and has suffered another injury in training with Ireland.

Ireland are away to Denmark this coming Friday before hosting Gibraltar on Monday.

Ireland boss Mick McCarthy said: It’s a disappointment, but I hope it doesn’t turn out to be a blow.

“I’m hoping that we have other strikers who can do the business, but it’s a huge blow for him as he recovered from the last time and picked up this injury.

“I’m really disappointed for him, but he has to get back and hopefully he can get right for the next games.

“I’m not bringing anyone else in. I’ve got five or six strikers in, so we have plenty of ammunition.”