Joe Shaughnessy returns to Scottish top flight with St Mirren

Former St Johnstone captain leaves Southend after their relegation from League One

Joe Shaughnessy: has moved to Scottish Premiership side St Mirren  following  a spell with Southend in England. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Joe Shaughnessy: has moved to Scottish Premiership side St Mirren following a spell with Southend in England. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho

Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Joe Shaughnessy has returned to Scotland, signing for Premiership side St Mirren after a difficult season with Southend United.

The 28-year-old defender from Galway originally moved to Aberdeen as a teenager and later had a strong spell at St Johnstone where he became club captain. He returns to the Scottish top flight after a single season at Southend who have just been relegated from League One.

"He is a fantastic leader and a really good character as well," says St Mirren's Irish manager, Jim Goodwin. "He's got fantastic experience in the Scottish Premiership already and played a huge part in St Johnstone's success in recent years. All these boys we are bringing in fit a certain profile and Joe ticks every box."

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered to your phone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times