Ronald Koeman expressed his surprise at Shane Long's involvement in Ireland's play-off second leg against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday night.
The Dutch coach was fully aware of the striker's fitness, opting not to include him in any of Southampton's games since he was taken off during Ireland's 2-1 defeat to Poland last month.
Long came on in the 55th minute of Monday's deciding leg and Koeman revealed his shock at his inclusion.
“I was quite surprised that he played 40 minutes,” he said.
“Our doctor had contact with the medical staff of the Irish national team and my information was he still was not 100 per cent fit.
“I don’t like to say more because that’s not the way; the way is to contact them and if we are not happy we have to tell them. That’s the first step."
Shane Long scores against Newcastle on the opening day of the season. Image: Richard Sellers / PA Wire/Press Association Images
“He is now fit because he played 40 minutes. But in my opinion a player needs more training before playing 40 minutes.
“I understand it was a very important game, about qualification, but if I’m national coach I don’t put a player in after five or six weeks with only one training session. But that’s my personal opinion.”
Long scored in Ireland's famous win over Germany at the Aviva Stadium in October and has netted only once in the league for the Saints.
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