SILVER SERVICE
Shaughnessy determined to honour Saints captaincy by delivering success
New St Johnstone captain Joe Shaughnessy has aspirations of leading the club to more silverware.
Perth manager Tommy Wright handed the consistent centreback the armband for the first time before Tuesday’s game against Ross County.
Steven Anderson has been relieved of the captaincy to allow him to solely concentrate on playing football.
Shaughnessy admits it’s an honour to skipper the side and he is planning to continue the success of recent years.
He arrived at the club after the historic Scottish Cup victory in 2014 but he would love to replicate the triumph.
“I would love to bring more silverware to the club,” Shaughnessy said. “That was such a big thing for the club and everyone is always talking about it.
“Because I wasn’t here, I suppose I am a bit jealous of the lads who have done it.
“The manager said to me on Sunday that he had been thinking about it for a while.
“It is an honour to be captain of this club. The only other time I was a captain was for my boys club team. Joe Shaughnessy has been made St Johnstone captain
“I have always felt that the way I play has suited the role. I think I am ready for it now having settled into the team in the last couple of years. I’m ready to give it a go.
“I’ll try to lead by example. Not everyone needs shouted and bawled at and certain players react to different sorts of motivation.”
The Perth club has been the ideal fit for Shaughnessy, who put pen to paper at McDiarmid Park in 2015.
“It’s been perfect for me,” he said. “When I first arrived, I was in a place where I needed to kick-start
my career.
“And that is what has happened. The manager has shown a lot of faith in me and I think I have repaid that in some way. I’ve stayed in the team and kept myself fit.
“People’s opinions are a big part of football. Tommy put me straight in and has stuck with me, so I owe him a lot for that.”
Nailing down a clean sheet in the midweek stalemate with Ross County was a boost for Shaughnessy. But he is determined to get back on
Saints captain Joe Shaughnessy the winning trail.
“It was nice to get the clean sheet on Tuesday night. We defended well and I think Zander only had a couple of saves to make.
“We really didn’t deserve to lose against Hearts the game before and Liam Gordon came in and did really well.
“Me and Ando have been playing all of the time and have got a good relationship. But it’s also good to see the younger lads stepping up.
“Comrie and Gordon have not looked out of place and have played really well.”
Saints travel to Firhill this weekend to face bottom of the table Partick Thistle.
Shaughnessy said: “Partick’s start to the season probably hasn’t been a fair reflection on how they play. They will be looking to kickstart their season.
“We’re trying to get out of this run of form. It’s always been hard against Partick but hopefully we can push on this weekend.
“Anyone can beat anyone in this league, maybe apart from Celtic who look unbeatable at the moment.”