Boss Jim Goodwin believes St Mirren boast one of the best centre-back partnerships in Scotland.And he would love to see Charles Dunne and Joe Shaughnessy both rewarded for their recent fine form with international recognition.The battling Buddies pair have been crucial to the club’s upturn in form since returning from the winter break, thriving after Goodwin switched from a back three to a back four.Dunne, 28, and 29-year-old Shaughnessy have both got under-21 caps for Ireland and put in another strong performance against Hibs on Saturday in front of current Ireland national manager Stephen Kenny – who was in the stands at Easter Road.And Goodwin revealed he feels the powerful duo are more than capable of replicating their domestic form on the international stage for Ireland.Goodwin told Express Sport: “I told Kenny not to forget that Charles Dunne and Joe Shaughnessy are both eligible because those two lads have been outstanding since we switched to a back four.“I don’t know if you’ll find a better partnership in the country right now.“They’re so consistent and a couple of real leaders that you would want in any team.“They’re also so balanced as well.
Dunne is left-sided, quick and strong, and Joe right-sided and strong too.“They have been a real focus point and key to the success we’ve had recently.
They both deserve a big pat on the back.”Also in Kenny’s sights in Leith was Saints star midfielder and current Wolves loanee Connor Ronan.He couldn’t have missed Ronan’s emphatic winner, his fifth goal of the campaign so far, with Goodwin also touting the talented 23-year-old for a spot in Ireland’s senior national set-up.Goodwin said: “We got the goal from the high press, which was pleasing.“It was a mistake from the Hibs
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