Ralph Hasenhuttl believes that Shane Long can use his contract situation as a positive.
The Ireland international's current deal with Southampton runs out this summer.
"We don’t want to think about the summer too much and who’s out of contract," Southampton manager Hasenhuttl is quoted as saying by the Southern Daily Echo.
Everyone has a chance now to show up and show how important he is to the team.
I can only speak about my experience as a player when I knew my contract was up at the end of the season I was always the best because I knew I had to give everything and show up.
This is not really a disadvantage.
Long was unavailable for Southampton's 2-0 win against Chelsea on St Stephen's Day due to a knee injury. However, he had started the previous four games for the Premier League side.
The Tipperary man's fellow Ireland international Michael Obafemi started the game against Chelsea and scored a superb opening goal.
"We’re always happy when he’s playing and if he cannot another guy must step up to his workload which is massive," said Hasenhuttl regarding Long.
"He’s a fantastic professional and always positive; really nasty to play against because he’s always hunting for every ball and this is something that helps our game, absolutely."
