SHANE Long had to "bite his lip" during his less prominent early days at Saints.

But after a big learning curve is now aiming for his best Premier League season ever as one of the club’s key men.

The Republic of Ireland international striker was very much a bit part player after his £12m move from Hull City in August 2014, completing just nine full games in all competitions in his first term and often playing in an unfamiliar on the wing.

But those experiences have helped the industrious frontman become a vital cog in Ronald Koeman’s side this campaign and a more rounded footballer.

"Before I came to the club it was all natural. I was just doing what I do best and playing football, but since I’ve come here the gaffer (Koeman) has taught me a lot about the game," Long explained.

"He’s made me understand the game a bit more and I’m approaching it with a bit more experience, thinking about the games a bit more and I think it’s helping me a lot more in my game.

"A lot of it came from playing out on the wing as well. I had to really approach it in a different way and learn a new position.

"The gaffer coached me through that as well. Then all of a sudden that becomes second nature as well.

"I never want to take away from my natural ability, but when you approach the game and think about it a bit more it gives you the upper hand on the opposition."

The 29-year-old has scored eight league goals this campaign – equalling his best ever top-flight goalscoring record – and is now aiming to reach double figures for the first time ever.

Four of those goals have been headers, adding to Saints' league-high of 12 headed strikes.

That is no surprise considering one of the most outstanding features of Long's game is an almost superhuman leap that sees him tower above much taller opposition.

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Watch out Fella: Long's leap in action against Fellaini

"I don’t know what it is," the 5ft11inch forward said. "My mum and dad said to me that it was because of the athletics when I was younger.

"I just played every sport. It made me athletic. I think my timing is a thing. When the ball comes to me I’m at the highest point I can get to it."

Those used to seeing Long play will know about his intense work-rate, direct running and sheer endeavour that shapes him as a player and has made him a superb addition to Saints' attacking armoury.

"I like to put myself about," he says. "I know it’s an asset of mine and I can use it to my advantage and surprise some defenders at times.

"They don’t expect me to get up there. I like to put myself about on the pitch."

Certainly Long has put the weight of that hefty price tag that saw him move south behind him.

Although admits the first season was difficult.

"I wasn’t involved as much as I’d have liked," Long said. "That was because everybody else was flying.

"You’ve kind of got to bite your lip at times and wait for your chance to come and this season has been good for me.

"I feel good on the pitch and I feel like I’m gelling well with the lads and just want to keep it going now.

"When you’re in and out of the team it’s always hard to really make a difference in the games because you don’t have that confidence.

"But I think it comes naturally once you’re playing week in week out.

"It’s not easy to get a position in this team so I want to keep my hands on it."