Shaughnessy signs new four-year deal

Conor Shaughnessy has been rewarded for his impressive early season form with a new four-year deal at Elland Road.

The player wasn’t particularly on the mind of Leeds United fans before the season began but the manager Thomas Christiansen saw something in the then-midfield player and took him on the club’s pre-season tour to Austria where he was used as a centre-back.

Injuries to defenders, coupled with Pontus Jansson being suspended for the start of the season lead to the player making his debut at Bolton Wanderers on the opening day where he showed his inexperience by giving away a penalty as Leeds won the game 3-2.

Since then, Shaughnessy has played well in the Carabao Cup ties against Port Vale, Newport County, and Burnley and had his best performance of the season with a tremendous display in the 0-0 draw with Fulham at Elland Road.

The player himself was also clearly delighted telling LUTV: “"I'm delighted. I'm really happy. The last couple of months have been really good for me and the club.

"We're going well as a team & I’m happy to be part of that for the next 4 years. I think I've shown I'm ready to play at this level

"All the back four, They've all been really good with me on & off the pitch & helping me to improve every day.

"It's so positive at the minute. Not just the players, the staff, everyone, we're all focused on the same goal"

The move was also praised by Leeds United academy manager Adam Underwood who told the club’s website: "I'm delighted for Conor, he is a hardworking, talented and versatile footballer who has an excellent attitude and work ethic. He impressed everyone at the academy from his first trial period at the club around a year ago and in the space of 12 months he has established himself with our U23s and moved up to represent the first team.

“I'm pleased that Victor and Thomas have seen enough to secure his long term future."

He keeps going from strength to strength for Leeds having made the move from Reading at the start of last season and was recently called up to the Republic of Ireland u21 squad. He, among others, was being watched by Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane (boo) against Burnley.