Premier League’s fastest player isn’t Martial or Walcott – but a 30-year-old Irishman

Not bad for a lad that just turned 30.

Shane Long has not had it easy this season but you can't say he is not giving it his all whenever he gets his chance. Long scored the winner for Southampton in their FA Cup third round tie with QPR and found himself back on the bench. Some gratitude from Claude Puel. Long had to watch from the sidelines as his Saints teammates resisted every attack Liverpool threw their way, in Wednesday's EFL Cup semi-final. When his opportunity came, Long took it. He was in the box to block a volley - Jurgen Klopp wanted a penalty - and, mere minutes later, raced away to score Southampton's winner and confirm they were off to Wembley. It is no wonder Long is so deadly on the counter-attack. It was confirmed by the Premier League, last night, that the Tipperary native is the fastest player in the competition so far this season. Back in August, the Irish striker clocked a remarkable 35.31 kilometres per hour in a stunning counter that saw Watford's Ben Watson sent off. Here is how it all played out. With the game tied at 1-1, Southampton countered and Watson had 10 yards on Long The afterburners were switched on Watson was caught... He started grappling with Long A red card was coming Elsewhere in the Top 10 are the likes of Kyle Walker, Jamie Vardy, Andre Gray and Eric Bailly but Long is right there at the top. One hopes he gets a few more starts for Southampton in the second half of the season.