Ireland call for Joe will be a Wright good move
ST JOHNSTONE skipper Joe Shaughnessy should be popping up on the Republic of Ireland radar.
Perth boss Tommy Wright has championed fellow defender Jason Kerr for Scotland and believes Aberdeen pre-contract target Shaughessy would also take the international step up in his stride.
Wright is keen to hold on to the defender earmarked for a Pittodrie return by Derek McInnes and revealed the Perth club have been back in touch with his representative.
But he isn’t demanding a quick decision from former Republic U-21 cap Shaughnessy who leads Saints into a top-six crunch with rivals Hibs tomorrow.
Wright said: “Joe’s playing in the top league in Scotland and is part of a team which has kept so many clean sheets this season.
“He is improving. You need to remember we’ve converted him into a decent centre-back. He was always a right-back or left-back.
“There are players from the Scottish Premiership playing international football. Why couldn’t Joe?
“I’ve no problems with his performances. If he told me today or tomorrow he was going to Aberdeen I’d have no problems with it.
“I haven’t had him in my office every day pestering me because he needs time to make a decision. It’s a big decision for him.
“Whatever Joe does it’s got to be remembered he is captain here and is playing here. If it’s all about money he’ll go to Aberdeen because we can’t compete.
“If it’s about getting the best opportunity to play every week, improve and look for international honours, then I think he is best placed here.”