Goodwin: Shaughnessy ban is ‘not ideal’ but Saints can cope
St Mirr en manager Jim Good win feels they are better equipped to deal with Joe Shaughnessy's latest suspension but bemoaned the loss of his defender for another three games.
The centre-back was sent off for an aerial challenge during St Mirren's Betfred Cup win over Queen's Park on Saturday and Saints decided against an appeal after consideration.
Saints were heading for a third win and clean sheet when the centre-back was sent off against Ross County four games into the season.
The visitors equalised and Goodwin's side lost their next six games and have not won in the Premiership since amid a number of other suspensions, injury and Covid-19 problems.
But Goodwin has almost a full squad to choose from now with the likes of Ryan Flynn back to fitness and recent signing Brandon Mason to supplement his defence for tomorrow's trip to Livingston.
On a potential appeal, Goodwin said: "We had a good discussion about it and watched it from a number of different angles and came to the conclusion as a club that we didn't feel it was beneficial. We felt we just needed to take our medicine. I definitely think we are better equipped to deal with suspension sand injury but obviously we want to try and avoid suspensions.
"We can all accept bookings from time to time for good, strong tackles and I think Joe has been very unfortunate on both occasions.
“Whether it' s his re put ation going before him, I don't know, but it's not ideal. I can't afford to keep losing guys like Joe because he is a very good experienced player for us."