Joe Shaughnessy enjoying change of scenery at St Johnstone
Joe Shaughnessy has been loving life at St Johnstone after being out in the cold at Aberdeen, but he received a further lift with their victory over Rangers.
The right-back made only three appearances for the Dons in his final season at Pittodrie, but has been an ever-present since his summer switch to Perth.
And his enjoyment of life at Saints increased further with Tuesday's 3-1 League Cup win at Ibrox.
"It has given everyone a lift," the 23-year-old. "I don't think a lot of people expected us to go there and win after the start they had to the season and probably the start we have had.
"We hadn't won an away game. But we know what we are capable of and if we can carry out a game plan, we can hurt teams."
Speaking ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Dundee United at McDiarmid Park, the Irishman added: "I am really really enjoying my time here, enjoying my football and settled in really well. It helps when you are coming into the team. I have played every game so far so it has really helped me just enjoy everything a lot more.
"I was out of favour at Aberdeen. There was a period I was playing all the time, then went on loan to Falkirk and just couldn't get back in the team.
"That happens in football. I had been there for six years so it was good to come here, get a change of scenery and just get back on track.
"Everyone I know in football says they enjoy it a lot more when you are playing on a Saturday.
"Towards the end of last season when I wasn't getting in squads and playing in the under-20s league, you just want to be playing games on a Saturday.
"You just enjoy everything else in your life a lot more when you are playing games on a Saturday and that's what is happening now."
St Johnstone should have a full squad. Right-back Darnell Fisher is expected to be available after missing the midweek victory over Rangers with a toe injury.
Dundee United captain Sean Dillon is back from suspension and striker Mario Bilate returns after his latest hamstring injury.
Uited remain without Chris Erskine (pelvis), Paul Dixon (hernia) and Paul Paton (knee).
Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara hopes their League Cup win over Dunfermline can act as a springboard for the rest of the season.
The Tangerines went through to the last eight after extra-time against the spirited Pars and now turn their attention back to league matters when they visit Saints at McDiarmid Park.
United have not won in the league since early August and sit second bottom but McNamara believes Tuesday's cup victory can signal better times ahead for the Tannadice club.
McNamara said: "It gives everyone a lift.
"Now we have to try and move on which is the main thing as far as we're concerned.
"Dunfermline was a tough game and it took a bit out of some of the players but it was important we got the win on Tuesday.
"We've been doing a lot of good things in recent weeks in the league and we just need to get that win to get going again.
"The cup is obviously different to the league but the aim now is to follow it up with another win.
"It's about going to St Johnstone and trying to get the three points which can get our season going."
Source: PAR
