Conor Shaughnessy

Conor Glynn Shaughnessy (born 30 June 1996) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Burton Albion.

He is also able to operate as a central midfielder. He has represented the Republic of Ireland national football team at U15 through to U21 level.

Club Career

Reading

Shaughnessy started his career at English club Reading, joining in 2012 after a successful trial and signing his first professional contract 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, Shaughnessy was given a one-year contract with the Leeds United development squad in September 2016. He did not make any first team appearances during the 2016-2017 season. His contract was extended by a year in May 2017, and he made his professional debut in a 3–2 away victory over Bolton Wanderers on 6 August 2017, replacing injured teammate Matthew Pennington at centre back in the 66th minute and promptly giving away a penalty. He made his first start in the following game, on 9 August 2017 in a 4–1 League Cup victory against Port Vale at Elland Road, and first League start six days later against Fulham. He signed a new four-year contract with Leeds the following month. On 7 January 2018, Shaughnessy scored an own goal in Leeds' 2–1 shock defeat to Newport County in the FA Cup.

Shaughnessy picked up a serious ankle injury when he started in Leeds' 0-0 draw against Hull City on 30 January 2018, with head coach Thomas Christiansen revealing Shaughnessy could spend several weeks/months out injured. The injury ultimately ruled Shaughnessy out for the remainder of the season.

On 14 August 2018, Shaughnessy returned to a match-day squad for the first time, when he was named on the bench for Leeds in the EFL Cup fixture against Bolton Wanderers. He made his first appearance after injury when he started