ST JOHNSTONE FC LATEST HE CAN JOE ALL THE WAY Ando baffled by lack of interest in defensive pal as he tips Irish star to reach the very top
Anderson and Shaughnessy combine to halt Motherwell’s Louis Moult earlier in the season Steven Anderson admits he is surprised that defensive partner Joe Shaughnessy has not attracted the interest of other clubs.
The Perth pair formed a solid partnership in the heart of St Johnstone’s backline which will now be tested in the Europa League.
Shaughnessy was a standout performer for Saints this season, with his haul of winnings at the recent Player of the Year evening adding weight to that point.
And captain Anderson said: “He’s had a great season — again. I was very surprised that other clubs haven’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.
“He’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.”
Saints’ defensive unit has been helped by two goalkeepers who possess real quality, Anderson explained, and he knows the club are lucky to have Alan Mannus and Zander Clark.
“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 are 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 No 1s. I’m sure they’re frustrated when they get left out.”
Anderson, while aware how much these players have
helped the Perth cause this term, again placed emphasis on how much of a team spirit is evident at McDiarmid Park.
Being captain hasn’t fazed the 31-year-old and he said: “It’s about the team. The boys have got fourth place and European football again. It’s a great achievement.
“I don’t really care who we get in the draw.
“If it’s closer it’s good for the fans.
“We’ve never drawn a club in Ireland or Wales and I’m sure we’ll be in the back of beyond again!
“The problem is that it’s so early. We had a few players who were trying to adjust to a new club in the Alashkert game.
“And there was the heat as well.
“We’re a settled squad this time and I’m sure the manager will have us ready.
“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 ask him so that took a bit of getting used to.
“But, like I say, it’s not been too much of a change.”