Shaughnessy always overlooked, says Ando

Saints: Captain praises defender’s consistency – and goalkeeping rivalry

Steven Anderson was shocked that St Johnstone had a clear run at keeping player of the season Joe Shaughnessy at the club.

The Irishman has enjoyed two very impressive campaigns with the Perth side since arriving from Aberdeen.

And his fellow centre-back expected Shaughnessy, who agreed a fresh deal before the season ended, to be in demand on the back of them.

Anderson said: “He’s had a great season – again. I was very surprised that other clubs didn’t come in for him.

“I play beside him and he’s been excellent. And he was very good when we played against him – even though he was at right-back which isn’t his best position.

“Joe’s the type of player who gets overlooked. He’s got the height, he’s physical and he’s good on the ball as well.”

Anderson is also delighted that next season Alan Mannus and Zander Clark will resume their battle for the goalkeeper’s jersey.

“They’ve been very important,” he said. “But it hasn’t just been this season – Alan has been doing it for years. We’re very fortunate to have two quality keepers. Alan goes away with Northern Ireland and big Zander is probably unlucky to not have had a Scotland call-up.

“It’s going to be hard to keep them both happy next year. I think they know that they need to be at their best to play. There aren’t many teams who have two quality keepers like those two.

“Big Al’s quiet and has a dry sense of humour and Zander is the total opposite. They get on really well, though. They’re two number ones basically. I’m sure they’re frustrated when they get left out.”

Last season was Anderson’s first as captain, after Dave Mackay hung up his boots and took over as Stirling Albion manager. It goes without saying that a fourth-placed finish and a spot in Europe qualifies as a successful campaign.

“It’s about the team,” he said. “They boys have got fourth place and European football again. It’s a great achievement.

“The captaincy hasn’t really been a big difference. We’ve got a lot of other experienced boys in the dressing room so we’ve all gone about our business in the same way.

“I have to ask a few more questions of the gaffer, mind you – especially when big Easty wants an extra day off!

“I always used to get Cuptie to go and speak to him so that took a bit of getting used to. But, like I say, it’s not been too much of a change.”

Saints will be back in training in little over a week and all attention will be on the Europa League draw.

“I don’t really care who we get,” said Anderson.

“If it’s closer it’s good for the fans. We’ve never got a club in Ireland or Wales but I’m sure we’ll be in the back of beyond again.”

Saints are keen to ensure there is no repeat of their early exit at the hands of an unfancied Armenian side two years ago.

“We had a few players who were trying to adjust to a new club in the Alashkert game,” Anderson recalled. “And there was the heat as well.

“We’re a settled squad this time and I’m sure the manager will have us ready.”

Joe’s the type of player who gets overlooked. He’s got the height, he’s physical and he’s good on the ball as well. STEVEN ANDERSON

Picture: SNS Group. Joe Shaughnessy has enjoyed two impressive campaigns at McDiarmid Park.