SAINTS striker Shane Long and the Republic of Ireland put the frighteners on France before the hosts came back to win 2-1 in the last 16 of Euro 2016.

The game was in its infancy when Long was tripped by Paul Pogba in the French box, winning a penalty and stunning Les Bleus at Stade de Lumieres in Lyon.

Goal-hero from their vital group stage win over Italy, Robbie Brady, stepped up to convert the subsequent spot kick.

Long and Co held on for nearly an hour before Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann saved France's day with a quick-fire double.

Things then went from bad to worse for the Irish as Shane Duffy was shown a straight red card, meaning Martin O'Neill's side played for more than 25 minutes with ten men.

France will now play either England or Iceland in the quarter finals.