CHERRIES boss Jonathan Woodgate revealed striker Shane Long has returned to parent club Saints for treatment but stressed: “We just need him back as quick as possible.”

The Republic of Ireland international has been plagued with a groin issue in recent weeks and has missed out on the squad for Cherries’ past three league games.

A meeting between the two clubs’ physios regarding the on-loan striker took place this week, with the St Mary’s side now going to work on restoring Long back to fitness.

And Woodgate is hopeful the 34-year-old will be available for the business end of the campaign.

Asked for the latest on Long, the Cherries head coach told the Daily Echo: “He’s gone back to Southampton, so they are doing some work on him over in Southampton.

“Again, hopefully we will know next week where we are at with that fully.

“We just need him back as quick as possible and fit for us to help us with the end part of the season.”

Long has found his game time limited at Cherries since signing on loan from Saints back in February.

His most recent appearance for Woodgate’s men was when he came off the bench against Middlesbrough on Good Friday.

The striker has scored two goals in nine appearances during his loan spell from the St Mary’s outfit.