Shane Long has agreed a two-year contract extension with Southampton, ending speculation about his future.

The Republic of Ireland striker was due to become a free agent, but is now set to remain with Saints until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 33-year-old has been with the club since the summer of 2014, recently making his 200th appearance for the team.

Long said he was "delighted" to secure his future with the Premier League side: "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.

"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."

Eight of his 35 goals for Southampton have come under the current manager Ralph Hasenhüttl, with Long making 43 appearances in that time.

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

"He has scored some big goals for us and helped to create many more for his teammates too. I think that is one of his top qualities.

"He is a great team player, and someone who has a positive impact on the group as a whole when he plays.

"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."