From Tevez to Shrewsbury Town for Conor McLaughlin

A career-threatening injury, a head-to-head with Carlos Tevez and a full international debut in a European Championship qualifier in Italy.

If Conor McLaughlin's last 12 months prove a snapshot of the career which lies ahead, interesting times await the new Shrewsbury Town loanee.

Rewind a week for instance. McLaughlin, who is expected to make his Town home debut against Oxford tonight, was preparing for a routine reserve team outing for his parent club Preston against Manchester City, a game the less-illustrious Lancastrian rival would run out 3-1 winners in.

But the long-awaited return to English football of one Carlos Tevez ensured the behind-closed-doors encounter is already locked in as a career highlight for down-to-earth 20-year-old McLaughlin.

He said: "It was a once in a lifetime experience to play against Tevez, who is one of the best players in the world on his day.

"He didn't have that match sharpness because he has been playing golf for six months!

"But it was an amazing opportunity to play against him and you could tell he is world-class.

"We were told he was playing a couple of days before, but we had to keep it quiet because of the media.

"But when we pulled up at the training ground, there were cameramen in the trees and looking through a whole in the fence!

"He came off at half-time but our defenders dealt with him very well, so he didn't really get a sniff.

"There were a couple let him know they were there and I don't think he liked it, but that comes with being Carlos Tevez."

McLaughlin's encounters with football's A-listers has also extended onto the international stage.

A regular at under-21 level for Northern Ireland, his full senior debut came against one of the world's super powers.

He played the closing stages of a Euro 2012 qualifier against Italy in Pescara last October.

He said: "I came on with 15 or 20 minutes in centre midfield against Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi.

"We got beat 3-0 but it was in a 30,000 all-seater stadium and it was the best experience of my life."

That McLaughlin has had the opportunity to mix in such illustrious company is an achievement in itself, after he suffered a sickening injury a little over 12 months ago.

A straight-forward jump for header in a 4-0 home defeat for Preston by Bristol City was to have devastating consequences on the steep upward progress curve McLaughlin was journeying along.

The Belfast-born youngster said: "I landed awkwardly and my ankle turned around the other way.

"I dislocated my ankle and fractured my leg.

"The first few months were really tough for me because you think about everything.

"It crossed my mind I might not play again but the medical staff at Preston were brilliant.

"I was meant to be out until October but I got myself fit for the start of the season."

After such an extended absence, McLaughlin – whose 17-year-old brother Ryan is part of the Liverpool Academy – is still searching to return to his pre-injury best.

But, after a steady debut at Gresty Road, the young defender is excited at what lies ahead for the remainder of his two month loan with Shrewsbury.

He said: "I felt a bit rusty having not played many games for Preston, so it was good to get out there and have 90 minutes.

"Left -back isn't my natural position but I'm happy to fill in there if I'm asked.

"I'm most comfortable at right back but, this season for Preston, I have played in every position except striker and goalkeeper.

"I'm will just be looking to try and help Shrewsbury to get automatic promotion."