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Southampton striker Shane Long leaves new born son at home to travel to Sparta Prague in Europa League

Shane Long hopes to inspire Southampton's bid to reach the Europa League knockout stages after leaving his newborn son for Thursday's visit to Sparta Prague.

Should they win at the Generali Arena and Hapoel Be'er Sheva not defeat Inter Milan, the Saints' progress from Group K will be secured, even with one remaining fixture at home to the Israelis in December.

Long's preparations for Thursday have included his nine-day old son Jax Anthony coming home for the first time - the forward already has two daughters - but he explained how becoming a father again had strengthened his professionalism and gave him the perspective required to succeed.