The development of Leeds United Conor Shaughnessy has been much discussed over the last few years and a loan move always looked like the natural option. The Republic of Ireland under 21 international will move on loan to Heart of Midlothian after agreeing a half-season loan deal to join Craig Levein’s side.
Shaughnessy was in attendance as Hearts beat bitter Edinburgh rivals Hibs at the back-end of last year at Easter Road. Hearts got off to a great start this season and were leading the way in the early parts of a season that is very difficult to predict north of the border. Champions Celtic, Steven Gerrard’s Rangers and eve Aberdeen and Kilmarnock are all fighting for top spot and Hearts aren’t too far behind, all will be looking to add in the January window.
Leeds United defender Conor Shaughnessy set to join Hearts on loan:https://t.co/FcUpGkX23f
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 7, 2019
Celtic and Rangers have already made big moves, Rangers sealing a deal for Jermaine Defoe and Celtic bagging West Brom winger Oli Burke in the early days of January. The rest are all well behind in terms of resources and pull but make no mistake, this is a good move for Shaughnessy. Talented without a doubt he came into the side and showed he has all the attributes to be a very good centre-back, he just needs the chance to grow and develop. He could play alongside Scotland veteran and Hearts skipper Christophe Berra which would be great for his experience.
Shaughnessy arrived at Leeds United from Reading as a central midfielder into the under 23’s and was one of the only players who impressed at that time in that side. Comfortable on the ball but just needing first-team exposure consistently to see how good he could be and if Leeds United is his level. Despite criticism I think he has a bright future, whether that’s at Leeds United or not. It will be a great chance for him to experience football on a more regular basis.