Conor Shaughnessy
Introduction
Conor Glynn Shaughnessy (born 30 June 1996) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Championship club Leeds United. He is also able to operate as a central midfielder. He has represented the Republic of Ireland national football team at U15 through to U18 level.
His elder brother Joe is also a professional footballer and plays for Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone.
Club career
Reading
Shaughnessy started his career at Reading, he joined the club in 2012 after a successful trial and he signed his first professional contract with the club in the summer of 2013. He was a regular for the Reading U18 and U21 teams; however, he never played competitively for the club and was released in May 2016.
Leeds United
Following a successful trial with the club, which included him scoring with a spectacular 25 yard shot against Tadcaster Albion, Shaughnessy was given a one year contract with the Leeds United development squad on 1 September 2016.
In May 2017 it was announced that the club had offered the player a one year extension to his contract. Shaughnessy made his professional debut for the club in a 3–2 away victory over Bolton Wanderers on 6 August 2017, replacing injured team-mate Matthew Pennington at centre back in the 66th minute. Within minutes of Shaughnessy entering the field of play, he gave away a bizarre penalty where he appeared to pull Gary Madine's shirt over his head in the opposition penalty area. He made his first start in the following game, on 9 August 2017 in the 4–1 League Cup victory against Port Vale at Elland Road, playing again at centre back.
He made his first League start for Leeds on 15th August in a 0-0 draw against Fulham F.C., playing alongside Pontus Jansson in the heart of defence. On 30th August 2017 it was announced that Shaughnessy had been called up to the Ireland U21 team for a European Championship qualifier the following week. After the injury suffered by captain Liam Cooper, Conor started the 1-0 loss away at Millwall on 17th September. This was Leeds first loss of the season.
On the 21st September 2017, Shaughnessy signed a new four-year contract with Leeds United.
International career
Shaughnessy has represented Ireland at U15, U16, U17 and U18 level. He scored a "wonder goal" playing for the Ireland U15 team against the Qatar Aspire Academy hosted in Doha on 9 December 2010.
On 29 August 2017, Shaughnessy after impressing for Leeds, was called up to Republic of Ireland U21's.
Style of play
Shaughnessy began his career as a central midfielder coming through the youth ranks at Reading; however, he has converted into a centre-back for Leeds United.