Shane Long started and scored after seven minutes for Southampton in this Friday evening’s Premier League contest at St Mary’s Stadium against title chasing Liverpool who maintained their challenge by recovering to secure a three one victory. Long, who returned to training this week following his recent injury which forced his withdrawal from the Ireland squad for last week’s victories over Gibraltar and Georgia, was excellent in the lone striker role during his sixty minutes on the pitch. Fellow Ireland striker Michael Obafemi remains on the injured list.