Midfielder heads to his homeland on loan
Shrewsbury Town can confirm that Jim O’Brien has joined Ross County on loan until the end of the season.Jim has made 25 first team appearances for Town this season scoring one goal.
The clubs are now awaiting international clearance in order for him to be eligible for the Scottish Cup match with Dundee United on Saturday.
Jim hasn’t had as much playing time as he would have liked in recent weeks and Paul Hurst decided that it would be beneficial for him to get some more game time up in Scotland.
“We had a chat over Christmas to get our thoughts and we said we’d revisit that, which we did, and in fairness to Jim he just wants to play”, Paul told ShrewsWeb.
“We had a frank and open discussion and just felt that I couldn’t give him the assurances that he would have liked and moving forward for this season I felt it was more beneficial for him to go out and try and explore opportunities where we think he might get more minutes.
“One arose up in Scotland, so we’ve parted company for the time being and we’ll all assess the situation come the summer.”
Paul has been pleased with how Jim has performed in recent months, but felt letting him go out would allow him to strengthen his squad.
“I think Jim overall has done well since I’ve come in, just in general it didn’t quite fit what we perhaps are lacking at the current time”, said Paul.
“As a manager I have to look at what’s best for us overall as a squad and in terms of trying to create space and options within the squad, Jim was one that was willing to look elsewhere, so it does free up some space and finance that we can hopefully exploit and bring additions to the squad.”
Paul was quick to point out that this doesn’t mean the end for Jim at Shrewsbury Town and he hopes he performs well up in Scotland.
“It would be foolish for anyone to say that that’s it and draw a line under it”, Hurst admitted.
“If he goes away and does really well, which I hope he does, then the club he’s going to are going to want to sign him, but ultimately he’s still our player.
“We will be checking on his progress and how he goes up there because if he finds his form and plays then I’ve certainly not shut the door on Jim, I’ve told him that, but it will all be assessed in the summer.”
Shrewsbury Town would like to wish Jim all the best during his loan spell with Ross County.