Leeds United-owned Conor Shaughnessy is set to feature for Hearts against Celtic today.
Shaughnessy, who can operate as a central defender or as a central midfielder, joined Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on loan from Leeds in the Championship in England.
The 22-year-old moved to Hearts until the end of the season, and for him, it ends today.
Craig Levein’s side will take on Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic at Hampden Park in Glasgow in the final of the Scottish Cup in a few hours’ time.
Shaughnessy has said that he will return to Leeds after his loan spell at the Jambos this summer, and he is pleased with his development as a football at Hearts.
Shaughnessy told The Edinburgh Evening News: “It will be my last game and I’ve really enjoyed it up here. I want to thank all the staff, the players and especially the fans for the reception and the welcome I’ve had here.”
The youngster added: “These five months have been massive for me. It’s brilliant to get a run of games because I wanted as much game time as possible. Every time I’m on the pitch, it helps my development as a player.
“I’m learning different little things in every match. The cup final is another step in my development. It doesn’t come around very often so I will make the most of it.”
Breaking into the Leeds United first team
Shaughnessy has been on the books of Leeds since 2016, but the 22-year-old has yet to establish himself in the first team at Leeds.
It is going to be hard for the youngster to break into Marcelo Bielsa’s side next season, but perhaps his versatility will help him and be an advantage.
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