Leeds United have today announced that, following discussions, Irish defender Conor Shaughnessy has acceded to a new four-year contract due to expire in 2021.
Shaughnessy, 21, began his career as a central midfielder, and initially joined United on a free transfer from divisional rivals Reading in September 2016.
Having previously featured on numerous occasions for Leeds' bespoke Under-23 team, Shaughnessy has, to the sheer surprise of many, battled his way into the first-team at Elland Road this season.
The youthful defender, who has also represented the Republic of Ireland in Under-18 competition in the past, made his debut for Leeds in the club's 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers on the opening day of the season, replacing Everton loanee Matthew Pennington as a second-half substitute.
The United academy manager, Adam Underwood, was effusive in his praise for the player following the news. Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "I'm delighted for Conor, he is a hard-working, talented and versatile footballer who has an excellent attitude and work ethic."
For Shaughnessy, the contract has arisen as a wholly merited reward; in the absence of key first-team defenders owing to injury in the season's opening exchanges, he has exuded a composure and self-assurance that is seldom seen in defensive players of his young age, particularly in the matches against both Fulham and Burnley.