Loan watch: Dominic Shiels on life at Luncarty

Young defender Dominic Shiels is picking up valuable experience on loan at East of Scotland League Premier Division side Luncarty.

The 17-year-old, who can play centre-half or right-back, has recently made the move to Brownlands Park through until the end of the season.

He helped the Bleachers pick up a crucial 3-2 win against fellow Perthshire outfit Kinnoull on Saturday and is looking to continue playing his part as the campaign progresses.

“It was in the back of my mind to maybe go out on loan next season but, when I got the call, we felt it was better for me to get some first team football and toughen me up,” Shiels explained.

“It is a different format of play to what I’m used to with the under-18s. I was playing as a centre-half for the under-18s but, at Luncarty, I’ve been playing at right-back. And I’ve been really enjoying that.

“I like getting up and down the park. It can be a tough shift but I’m always willing to put the work in.

“The boys at Luncarty have been brilliant with me. They are all great guys and are the same off the park as they are on. Just good people.”

Luncarty are back in league action this Saturday when they welcome Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts for another important fixture.

“The team is obviously hoping to stay up,” Shiels added. “We’ve been picking up some form in the past couple of games so we’ll keep working the way we have.

“I’m looking forward to picking up more minutes at first team level and it’s also good for me to pick up experience from watching older players.”

Shiels signed a professional contract with the club last summer alongside goalkeeper Kyle Thomson and Fran Franczak.

He still remembers the moment Saints first showed an interest in him and smiled: “I got a call off my dad when I was at school. It was about going to have a trial with the St Johnstone U18 team.

“I ended up coming in, I loved it and the training was class. I liked it straight away and the boys were all good with me.

“There is a great bond in that team and it has been nice to be a part of that. You are seeing them almost every day and that helps with the bond.”