KEVIN Long admits his international boss Mick McCarthy would prefer for him to be playing more regularly for Burnley.

The Republic of Ireland defender’s only appearance for the Clarets this season came in the EFL Cup exit at home to Sunderland in August.

The 29-year-old has played the same number of games for his country in 2019-20, scoring his first Ireland goal in the 3-1 win over Bulgaria on Sunday.

Long is now hoping to feature for his country in the Euro 2020 qualifiers in Georgia tomorrow and Switzerland on Tuesday knowing that James Tarkowski and Ben Mee will be hard to shift when he returns to Turf Moor after the international break.

“It can be frustrating,” he told the Irish media.

“If other lads for Burnley or Ireland are playing well, there’s not much I can do.

“I spoke to Mick briefly about it in the past. He wants me playing games, first and foremost, but is aware of the position I’m in at Burnley.

“He’s stuck by me and hopefully I can repay him for that.

“If I get a chance on Saturday, I’ll be ready to take it with both hands. This match, and the trip to Switzerland on Tuesday, are huge games. They’re the type of you want to be involved in.”

With Ben Gibson also waiting in the wings at Turf Moor, Long says he is ready to go if called upon by Sean Dyche.

“I haven’t played much this season but feel fine and fit,” he said.

“He (Sean Dyche) knows what he’s got with me, that I’m an honest player and I would never slack off in training.”