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Long joins the Cherries on loan

AFC Bournemouth have completed the loan signing of Republic of Ireland international forward Shane Long, subject to EFL approval.

The 34-year-old arrives at Vitality Stadium from Southampton on a deal until the end of the season.

Long began his career in his homeland with Cork City before joining Reading in the summer of 2005.

He helped the Royals win the Championship in his first season at the club and spent six years at the Madjeski Stadium, scoring 54 goals in 203 appearances.

Further spells in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and Hull City followed, before Long signed for Southampton in August 2014.

To date, the experienced front man has earned 85 senior caps for Republic of Ireland since his debut in September 2007, scoring 17 goals and featuring at Euro 2012.

“I am delighted to bring an attacker of Shane’s experience and quality to the club,” said AFC Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall.

“As well as his undoubted technical ability, Shane’s character, maturity and leadership skills are something we have been searching for to add to what is a relatively young squad.

“He has played at the highest level for the majority of his career – including the past nine seasons – and we are hoping to bring the best out of him over the coming months as we aim to gain promotion back to the Premier League.”