Leeds United defender Conor Shaughnessy is set to join Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian on a half season loan deal, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The 22-year old has found his chances limited at Elland Road this season and Phil Hay reports that he was seen in the stands as Craig Levein's side contested the Edinburgh derby with Hibernian at the end of last year.

With Shaughnessy falling behind Aapo Halme in the pecking order under Bielsa, the move will afford him some vital first team experience in a season currently disrupted by injury and stiff competition.

The Eire Under 21 international came through the ranks at Reading as a youth, but moved to Leeds development squad in 2016. He's since made 15 appearances in all competitions, nine of those coming in the Championship.

Hearts were early pacesetters in the Scottish Premier League, but they've fallen behind Rangers and Celtic as the season has progressed. They're now fifth, just six points away from leaders Celtic having played a game more.

The Verdict

This makes perfect sense, but it also underlines the difference between the Scottish top flight and our own second tier. Shaughnessy wouldn't get a guaranteed game at any Championship side, but he'll feature regularly enough for Hearts.

He'll be hoping to kick on and impress himself on the Tynecastle defence with a view to going back to Elland Road and fighting for a first team spot.