Leeds United defender Conor Shaughnessy will be in action for Hearts this evening.
Leeds United sent Conor Shaughnessy out on loan to Hearts in January.
The centre-back has had a mixed start for the club, and this evening could face a defining game of his spell at Tynecastle.
Hearts visit underdogs Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup quarter final, and Shaughnessy is understandably wary.
He was part of the Leeds side which lost to lower league Newport County in January 2018.
Shaughnessy scored an own goal in the 2-0 loss, and his career at Leeds never recovered, with manager Thomas Christiansen subsequently sacked.
Reflecting on the defeat, Shaughnessy told BT Sport this weekend: “It was on the BBC and I didn’t watch it back but I saw it and I did not focus too much on it. It was something that I learned from – the own goal was a nice little finish!”
“It was tough at the time as I hadn’t played many games and it was a real learning curve for me. I am better off for it.”
Injuries curtailed the rest of Shaughnessy’s season last year, and this campaign he did not impress new manager Marcelo Bielsa enough to earn a regular role.
He says he understands the criticism which has come his way since the defeat.
Shaughnessy said: “They are quick to let you know down there, as they are everywhere.
“But you have to expect that. They are paying their money to come and see you put in a good performance and win, so when that doesn’t happen, you can expect their feedback.”
Shaughnessy has the chance to right a wrong on loan tonight by helping his loan team avoid a cup upset.
It’s too early to say whether it will have any bearing on a future at Leeds, but in terms of rebuilding his confidence, it could be key.
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