ON LOAN ST SHREWSBURY

Posted on May 15, 2012 in Millwall

Preston full back Conor McLaughlin joined Shrewsbury on a two month loan in order to see out the remainder of the season playing regular football in the latest stage of his recovery from a broken leg suffered last season.

McLaughlin has made two appearances for the Northern Ireland under 21s and has been tracked by Shrewsbury for a few weeks. His final game in a Preston shirt this season came in the reserves side win over Manchester City in a game which will be remembered as Carlos Tevez’s comeback from his self imposed absence.

McLaughlin has targeted promotion with Shrewsbury and praised the quality of football currently being played in League Two. “I’ve played twice against Southend in the FA Cup this season and they were strong opposition, and I’ve checked out Shrewsbury’s form. They’re playing well, and I’d love to be part of their promotion party” said the Northern Irishman. He was also happy to have played against one of the biggest names in world football in Carlos Tevez, describing the game as “an experience in itself”. The game was surrounded by a huge media presence by reserve team standards and Preston’s 3-1 victory in front of the media will have provided the reserves with a rare boost in a disappointing season for the Lancashire club.

Shrewsbury boss Graham Turner was full of praise for his latest acquisition describing him as “a utility player, he can play in either full back position, he can play in midfield as well and he likes to go forward.”

The Shrews have been playing well this season and are in a good position for promotion at the end of the season. McLaughlin will provide cover in the position they seem thinnest though. Injury to Joe Jacobson has left them struggling at full back and McLaughlin will slot in straight away to fill that gap.