Shane Long: Goal crucial to Republic of Ireland's qualification bid

Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long believes his late strike against Poland could prove vital if his side are to qualify for the European Championship.

Substitute Long scored a dramatic 91st-minute equaliser, stabbing home Wes Hoolahan’s knockdown at a corner to rescue a dramatic point after Slawomir Peszko gave Poland the lead.

The draw leaves Ireland three points behind Poland, who top the group, while both Germany and Scotland are within touching distance.

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"I think in the first 45 minutes Poland were brilliant and it took us a while to get into them. The gaffer changed the shape and from then on we were in the game," Long told Sky Sports.

"We would have been disappointed not to get a draw, we could have got the win.

"It could be a massive point at the end of the campaign. Losing three points is massive so to keep them within touching distance is big,” he added.

"I think we need to be wining our home games, we need make it a fortress, but the main thing is not to lose. We will take the draw."