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Kevin Long, of CORK, is Burnley's star attraction at Turner's Cross tonight
Premier League defender faces Cork City in a friendly, 7 pm [19659002BurnleywhichincludesmanyIrishplayersincludingRobbieBradyStephenWardJeffHendrickandJonathanWaltersisabouttolaunchitsfirstEuropeancampaignin51yearsThesecondqualifyingroundoftheEuropaLeague
"The fans are absolutely thrilled," said Leesider Long, who began his career with the city before moving to England. They dream and want to do a European tour.
"So it's great for fans, but it's also great for the players, we want to play at a high level of football and they're not much higher than the Europa. League.
"If we can enter the Europa League (group stages), it's going to be fantastic and that's what we want to play. "
In addition to having an impact at the club level, Long is eager to attempt to carve out a place at the international level, at the heart of the Republic of Ireland's defense. [19659002]" Playing for your country is a fantastic feeling. There is no better feeling than winning for your country too.
"There have been a lot of changes with the team from Ireland over the last year, we want to create a winning mindset and we want to go and do things for our country, it's not going to happen. There is no greater feeling.
"So when we meet again in September, we want to win games. Win these League of Nations matches and hope to run well and then qualify for the Euro 2020. "
More players for the national squad have started their first team to play in the league of Ireland
There are many advantages for young footballers who have the chance to align at the level of the first league team of Ireland.
"Everyone has different routes. I do not think there is a proven method that can work for footballers.
"Some guys go very young and it works Some it takes a bit of time to develop The League of Ireland is a good place to grow.
" I played about 20 games of the first team in the League of Ireland (with Cork City) before leaving and they helped me mbadively. "
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