The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland striker fired the Saints ahead after just 7.69 seconds.

Shane Long had no idea he had scored the fastest goal in Premier League history in Southampton’s 1-1 draw at Watford.

The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland striker fired the Saints ahead after just 7.69 seconds at Vicarage Road.

It was not enough to secure Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side all three points in their bid to stave off relegation as Andre Gray equalised for Watford in the final minute.

“It’s nice,” Long told Saints’ official website. “I didn’t find out until after the game and I didn’t know what the record was before.”

Long’s effort was a fraction more than two seconds quicker than the Premier League’s previous fastest, scored by Tottenham’s Ledley King after 9.82 seconds against Bradford in December 2000.

The goal came from Watford’s kick-off. Roberto Pereyra played the ball from the centre-circle back to defender Craig Cathcart some 40 yards from his own goal.