London, Jun 5 (IANS): Southampton forward Shane Long has agreed a two-year contract extension at St Marys, the club has announced.

The Republic of Ireland international had been approaching the end of his pre-existing deal this summer, but is now set to remain with Southampton until the end of the 2021/22 season.

Long has been with the club since the summer of 2014, recently making his 200th appearance for the team, and he has been an important part of Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad since the manager took the helm 18 months ago.

Eight of his 35 goals for Saints have come under the Austrian's guidance, with Long making 43 appearances in that time.

"I love the way the club is run, I love what the club stands for and I'm excited about what the club will do over the next couple of years," Long said in an official statement.

"I can see the club pushing up the league, back to where we all want to be, and I want to be part of that. I'm just delighted to get it done."

Hasenhuttl said: "Shane is an outstanding professional. He has been an important player for me and I know also for the managers before me.

"He is also a player who sets the right example for our youngsters to follow in how he conducts himself on and off the pitch, so this is good news for us that we will have him as part of the squad for another two years," he added.