'Sensible decision': Conor Shaughnessy addresses his Portsmouth availability for crucial relegation run-in
The defender has played just 25 times since scoring his iconic goal against Barnsley in April 2024
Conor Shaughnessy safely completed his first 90 minutes in two-and-a-half months and declared: I will get back to normal now.
Since returning to action last month following a hip flexor injury, the Irishman has been eased into his first-team commitments, with three substitute outings and two starts.
Indeed, upon the recommendation of Pompey’s medical team, the 29-year-old was rested for the Good Friday trip to Norwich, with Madiodio Dia replacing him at the heart of the defence in a 1-1 draw.
Still, Shaughnessy resumed his partnership with Regan Poole against Oxford United - albeit with the Blues challenged to negotiate 73 minutes with 10 men following Connor Ogilvie’s red card.
Despite that unexpected test, though, the former Leeds man played a maiden 90 minutes since the 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday in mid-January.
Now, after achieving that crucial landmark, he is eyeing retaining his Pompey starting spot for the final six matches of their relegation battle.
‘It was a sensible decision’
Shaughnessy told The News: ‘I’m good, just happy to complete 90 minutes for the first time in a while. Physically, I felt fine.
‘I did think when we went down to 10 men, I thought this would be a real test, but I got through it and felt physically comfortable and good within myself - and good with it.
‘We had a discussion last Thursday before the Norwich game about whether I needed to be rested. From the medical point of view, they were just cautious of me playing two 90 minutes in such a short space of time.
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‘That was frustrating for me, I want to play every game, but also it was a sensible decision given how the last season or two have gone for me with injuries.
‘It’s the manager’s decision, I’m happy to go with whatever decision he makes. It’s also a good thing, I’m being managed well.
‘That will change, I’ll get back to normal now in the next couple of weeks and hopefully play 90 minutes back to back. That’s where I am at, really.’
Shaughnessy’s Oxford outing represented his 73rd appearance for the Blues during an injury-ravaged time on the south coast.
Despite making 48 appearances in the memorable 2023-24 League One promotion season, including that iconic title-winning goal against Barnsley, the defender has since struggled for consistent availability.
He has totalled 24 outings since April 2024, hampered by calf and hamstring issues - plus the hip flexor problem picked up at Hillsborough in January.
‘That will be a decision the gaffer and physios will have to make’
That most recent set-back ruled him out for nine matches, with the versatile Ogilvie impressively deputising in the centre of defence.
Now Shaughnessy has five games under his belt in his current comeback, with Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough the next fixture on the horizon.
He added: ‘I should be okay now, that’s the plan. There are a couple of Saturday-Tuesdays coming up, so we’ll see.
‘That will be a decision the gaffer and physios will have to make. But, from my point of view, I feel good and I would like to play as much as possible.’