The 3 key battles as Republic of Ireland host Wales on Friday

Shane Long v Ashley Williams

Southampton’s Shane Long has not been a regular in Claude Puel’s side this season, yet he is always a huge threat when on the pitch in the green of Ireland.

The 30-year-old has managed just three goals in 23 Premier League appearances this term for the Saints, although only seven of those 23 games have been starts.

Nonetheless, Long managed three goals in 12 matches for Ireland last year, and his ability to play off the last defender and chase everything down will keep Wales captain Ashley Williams on his toes in Dublin on Friday.

The 32-year-old made the move to Everton last summer after eight years at Swansea, and based on the Swans’ struggles defensively this term, it’s clear how important he was to the balance and organisation of that backline.

And he has made a solid start to life on Merseyside, starting 27 of their 29 Premier League games, and becoming the senior defender in Ronald Koeman’s rapid-improving backline.

He has excelled in either a back three or back four to underline his defensive capabilities, yet Long will pose a challenge to him on Friday, with Williams’ anticipation and positional awareness crucial to thwarting the Irishman.

Long will be confident of accelerating away from the Welshman, so Williams will know that he needs to be defensively disciplined and aware throughout if Wales are to get a result on Friday.