Joe Shaughnessy, according to the Scottish Sun, is set to be offered a trial by Southend United.
The defender left St Johnstone at the end of last season as he wants to try his hand south of the border according to the report. Now United are set to give him the chance to earn a deal.
It’s also claimed by the report that his former club Aberdeen were interested in him. The deal collapsed though, prompting Dons boss Derek McInnes to sign Ash Taylor.
Shaughnessy can finally realise his dream with Southend
A move to Pittodrie is an interesting one. He no doubt would have got game time, played European football and increased his wages all at once. Shaughnessy would have benefitted Aberdeen too, as at the start of the summer, they needed a strong tackler like the Irishman.
Shaughnessy moving back to Pittodrie seemed to suit both parties on paper, but the deal collapsing shows how much the 27-year-old wants a move down south.
He’s in his late 20s now. The chances to make the switch will be few and far between if he doesn’t go now.
It’s a shame though that he let it affect his Perth performances last season. Towards the end of the campaign, Shaughnessy looked less and less focused, with a move away from St Johnstone clearly on his mind.
On his day though he’s a great centre-back at this level. He represented the Saints well overall in his 169 appearances.
His dream of moving down south to challenge himself though is closer than ever to be realised it seems.