The Leeds United youngster got a run-out in his natural position this weekend.
When Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen gave Conor Shaughnessy some unexpected chances in the heart of his defence during pre-season, the youngster seized them with both hands, earning first-team recognition and a new contract in the process.
But in recent months he has slipped down the pecking order at Elland Road, rarely getting a look-in despite some poor performances from his fellow Leeds defenders.
On Saturday, Shaughnessy was back on the field, coming on for Leeds just before the hour-mark against Barnsley, and the 21-year-old did not disappoint.
In fact, it could be argued that this was Christiansen’s plan for Shaughnessy all along, seeming him as a long-term option in the centre of the park and a back-up defender at best.
That is not to say the Leeds youngster has not impressed at centre-back, only that in time he is expected to do his best work slightly further forward.
Shaughnessy certainly has the confidence and the innate talent to do just that and it will be interesting to watch his career develop in the years ahead.
Christiansen opted for to play him in an unfamiliar role when circumstances dictated, yet he could not get the opportunities in his preferred position; especially with the games coming thick and fast over the festive period.
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