Craig Conway, the ex-Blackburn Rovers and Salford City winger, looks set for a return to Scottish football.
In May 2020, Conway was released by Salford City after just one season at the club. Now, he has been given a trial at St Johnstone of the Scottish Premier League, according to the Daily Record.
Craig Conway on Trial With St Johnstone
Conway Enjoyed Success in the EFL
Conway has been a standout player for several English Football League clubs since he arrived from Scotland in 2011.
Born in Irvine, Scotland, he began his career at Ayr United before making a name for himself at Dundee United. His performances at Dundee United persuaded Cardiff City to sign him in 2011.
While at Cardiff, he helped them win their first ever promotion to the Premier League. This was in the 2012/13 season, with Cardiff also finishing as winners of the Championship. However, he failed in feature in a Premier League match for City. Within a month of the new season starting, Conway was sent on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion.
In January 2014, he joined Blackburn Rovers in a permanent move. He mainly helped the Lancashire club to top-half finishes in the Championship. However, in 2016/17, he was a member of the Rovers’ squad that suffered a shock demotion to League 1. The following season, he stayed at Ewood Park to achieve promotion back to the Championship.
A New Adventure
Salford City, in Summer 2019, were preparing for their first ever season in the EFL.
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray was keen to retain the services of Conway. A new contract offer was made to the player. Sadly, for Mowbray and Blackburn, it was rejected by Conway.
Instead, he almost joined crisis club Bolton Wanderers. Their loss was Salford’s gain, as Conway initially agreed to sign for the EFL’s newest club on a short-term contract. He later extended his stay until the end of the 2019/20 season. In total, he featured in 20 of Salford’s 37 League Two games.
Perhaps surprisingly, he was released last month by Salford. This leaves him seeking a new club.
Conway Still Has Something to Offer
Even at the age of 35, Conway still has something to offer. For this reason, St. Johnstone are considering offering him a return to top-flight football in Scotland. Although, he still has work ahead of him, if he is to secure a contract at The Saints.
Over the weekend, the Scotsman took part in a pre-season game for St. Johnstone. Saints’ manager Callum Davidson was quick to praise Conway’s contribution.
“Craig has been looking good,” said Davidson, when speaking to The Courier.
“He put in a couple of unbelievable crosses and his movement was good in a 60-minute weekend bounce game.”
Conway is expected to feature for StJohnstone in further pre-season friendlies. If he puts in another good display, then he could well seal a deal with St Johnstone, ahead of their new 2020/21 SPL season.
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