Southend United have been linked with a move for former St Johnstone captain Joe Shaughnessy, as reported by the Scottish Sun.

Shaughnessy had previously been rumoured to being close to a move to Aberdeen after leaving the Saints, but has now reportedly been handed a trial with Kevin Bond's side.

He captained St Johnstone last season as they finished seventh in the Scottish top flight, but opted to seek his fortune elsewhere upon completion of his contract.

The 27-year-old began his career at Pittodrie, making 59 appearances for the Dons across five seasons, winning SPFL Young Player of the Month in December 2012.

He enjoyed loan spells with Forfar Athletic and Falkirk before being sold to St Johnstone. He's turned out 169 times for them but it's reported he turned down a new deal because he wanted to test himself in the EFL.

The Galway-born defender has been capped four times by Eire at Under 21 level, but hasn't made the step up to senior international football.

The Verdict

It's perhaps an indictment of the quality in the lower reaches of the SPFL that a captain from a side finishing seventh is happy to take a trial with an English third tier side that narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Shaughnessy looks to be a good prospect as well. He certainly impressed during his early career at Aberdeen, but despite regular football for St Johnstone he hasn't been able to kick on and get senior international honours.

Sadly, outside the big four or five, Scottish football does not offer a good shop window for a player's talents, although it could be argued that Southend United are not a huge improvement.

It's a gamble on the defenders's part, that is for sure.