"?Southampton forward Shane Long has earned his growing reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League, according to Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen reports the "?Daily Echo.
The Saints man is set to lead the line for the Republic of Ireland once again as they are pitted against Vertonghen's Belgium on Tuesday as both sides go in search of their first victory at Euro 2016.
Long terrorised Vertonghen and his international teammate Toby Alderweireld when Southampton defeated Spurs 2-1 in the penultimate game of the 2015-16 Premier League season.
The threat of the diminutive striker has not been lost upon either of the Belgium defenders ahead of Tuesday's Group E clash.
Vertonghen recognises the Saints striker as Ireland's "main man" going on to name the Irishman as "one of the best strikers in the Premier League".
Long scored ten Premier League goals during the 2015-16 season, his highest count in England's top division and Vertonghen described his strengths. The Spurs defender recognised Long's mobility and aerial threat as his key attributes which Vertonghen hopes to foil.
Toby Alderweireld, a former teammate of the Irishman during his single season at the South-Coast club has also spoken of the danger Long poses. "Shane Long is fast and strong, with the Irish system ideal for a player like him" explains Alderweireld before recognising the need to be ready for the challenge.
The fixture is vital for both sides following Belgium's opening group match defeat to Italy, whilst Long's Republic of Ireland began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.