Republic of Ireland (Garry Doyle, @UEFAcomGarryD)

The most interesting dynamic within the Republic of Ireland dressing room surrounds the relationship between Kevin Doyle and Shane Long. They may be rivals for a starting position alongside Robbie Keane in the Irish strike force, but they are also best friends and room-mates. To date, Doyle – three years older than Long – has been the senior partner in the coalition, not just with Ireland but also Cork City FC and Reading FC, where they previously played together.

Now, though, the gap has closed. Eight days ago, Long stepped off the bench to replace Doyle in Ireland's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, before scoring the only goal of the game. Last season, his return of eight Premier League goals was four more than Doyle managed. A turning of the tide?

No, says Long. "Robbie and Kevin are first choice and there is a very valid reason for that. So whenever me, Simon Cox and Johnny Walters get on the pitch we've got to prove what we're worth and try and take our chances when they come our way. Our job is to put a problem in the manager's mind. In football, things can change quickly – and what I have got to do is make sure that if I'm not first or second on the pitch that I am the next man in. You've got to earn your place on the team."

When Long did earn his place ahead of Doyle, in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Slovakia last October, Doyle's response was typically generous. "He came right up to me, shook my hand and wished me well," said Long. "We're close friends. We enjoy playing up front together. We enjoy each other's company. Our wives are good friends, too. Football won't affect things because if Kevin is picked, I want him to do well and for the team to win, and if I'm selected, I'm sure his thoughts are similar."

And they are. Doyle said: "Shane is his own man, a fantastic player and someone who hopefully will have a great tournament."

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