St Mirren sign Irish defender Joe Shaughnessy

St Mirren have agreed a deal to sign Irish defender Joe Shaughnessy from Southend United subject to international clearance.

Shaughnessy, whose brother Conor has just achieved promotion to the Premier League with Leeds United, has signed a two-year contract with the Buddies.

The 27-year-old has an abundance of experience playing in Scotland, having lined out for the likes Aberdeen and St Johnstone during a ten-year spell in Scotland.

The defender spoke of his delight at getting the deal done shortly after the announcement.

"I'm very happy to get everything over the line,” the Ireland under 21 international told stmirren.com.

“The manager really sold the club to me. His ambition came across really well any time I spoke to him and it made me feel like there is something starting here and I want to be a part of it. 

The defender is also hoping that his experiences playing in Scotland for ten years and last season in England with Southend will stand to him in the upcoming campaign.

"I had four years at St Johnstone which went really well and time at Aberdeen too. I feel well suited to the Scottish game and hopefully I can bring what I learned in England to here.”

Saints boss Jim Goodwin also exclaimed his content at getting the deal done 12 days before the new SPL campaign begins.

"We have been in constant dialogue with Joe since he left Southend United and we are delighted that we have been able to get him signed up,” Goodwin told stmirren.com.

"He is a fantastic leader and a really good character as well. He's got fantastic experience in the Scottish Premiership already and played a huge part in St Johnstone's success in recent years.”

St Mirren host Livingston in their opening game of the 2020/2021 SPL season on Saturday, August 1st at 3PM.

2019/20 Leinster Senior Cup abandoned due to Covid-19 https://t.co/4dL5sAacOIpic.twitter.com/pi3pKX08Aa

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