Name: Shane Thomas Lowry
DoB: 12 June 1989
POB: Perth, Australia
Height: 6ft 1inch
Debut: 15/01/2011 at Coventry City (0-0)
Clubs: ECU Joondalup (youth), Aston Villa (youth, 2005-07), Aston Villa (2007-??), Plymouth Argyle (loan, 2009, 13 (0) + 0), Leeds United (loan, 2010, 12 (0) + 0), Sheffield United (loan, 2011).
Born in 1989 Lowry is considered as an Irish-Australian defender who can play at left or centre-half. He began his football career with Australian side ECU Joondalup at youth level before he was spotted by English Premier League side Aston Villa.
He moved to Villa Park in 2005 along with fellow national Chris Herd and during the course of the 2006/07 season he featured nine times for their Reserves.
During that summer he was handed first team opportunities, making an appearance as a second half substitute in a pre-season friendly against Stoke City.
In 2009 he appeared in the Peace Cup, winning the trophy on penalties against Italian giants Juventus – he beat keeper Gianluigi Buffon in the penalty shoot-out.
Aston Villa won a place in the UEFA Cup and manger Martin O’Neil would give Lowry his first opportunity at the club to shine; playing in both legs as the Birmingham side lost Rapid Vienna (Austria) on the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate score.
A month later he was loaned to Championship side Plymouth Argyle in a three month deal; making his debut at Newcastle United (3-1 defeat) and towards the end of his loan he was sent-off in the final minute at Swansea City (0-1).
He returned early to Villa Park after being recalled due to injuries and featured in their successful FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion (3-2) before swiftly joining League One side Leeds United on loan until the remainder of the season.
He made his Whites debut against Colchester United (2-0) and became a vital member of the side which won promotion to the Championship – finishing second behind run away leaders Norwich City.
Lowry signed a new two year extension to his contract following his return from Elland Road, for him it was a fantastic few days; securing his future at his parent club, winning promotion and also received a call-up to Australia national squad ahead of their participation in the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
However he didn’t make the final squad which travelled to South Africa; Australia finished third in their group and failed to make it into the second round.
He has however already claimed international caps after being called up six times to the Republic of Ireland U-17 side and twice to the U-21 outfit.
In January 2011 Sheffield United boss Micky Adams took the defender on loan until the end of the season as the Blades battle against the threat of relegation.
He made his debut in a 0-0 draw at Coventry City.
Updated: February 2011