Ronald Koeman has admitted his “surprise” at the Republic of Ireland’s decision to play Shane Long after the striker had just one training session following five weeks out.

Koeman had previously stated he expected Long to be returning to training with the Saints first team during the international break following his ankle injury, but instead the £12m man was called up for his country.

He ended up playing a significant chunk of the second half as Ireland made it to Euro 2016 at the expense of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

However, Long had only been able to take part in first proper training session a couple of days before the game.

Koeman said: “I was very surprised he was playing 40 minutes, but ok if the player is fit.

“The player didn’t train for five or six weeks, had only one training session on the Sunday and that is why I was surprised.”

The Saints medical staff, including doctor Steve Barnes, were in contact with their counterparts at the Republic of Ireland over Long, and though Koeman was surprised by what eventually transpired, he didn’t make public criticisms.

“I was surprised. The doctor had contact with the Irish medical staff. My information was that he wasn’t 100 per cent fit,” said Koeman.

“If we are not disappointed and not happy we have to tell them, that’s the first step.”

The plus side for Saints was that Long came through unscathed and now has some playing time under his belt ready for the game against Stoke tomorrow.

“He is now fit because he played 40 minutes,” explained Koeman.

“In my opinion a player needs more training before playing 40 minutes but I understand because it was an important game but if I’m a national coach I don’t put a player after five or six weeks with injury and one training session into an important game.”

Koeman was relieved to have all his international players come back fit to face Stoke, including Virgil van Dijk, who returned to Southampton early after picking up a minor injury.

“He’s ok,” said Koeman of van Dijk. “He came back after the last Friday game, Wales v Holland, and he had some good days of treatment and he did good normal training session and if there is not any reaction of that he will be available for the weekend.

“Everybody is back. The last one was Sadio and everybody of course tired but no injuries and that’s always good news.

“If you have 16 or 17 players away for two weeks or ten days then always the question is if everybody is back without any problem.”