Matthew Shiels

Matthew Shiels (born 13 September 2000) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left back for Scottish League One side Dumbarton.

Early and personal life

Shiels was born in Glasgow. His paternal grandparents were from Donegal in Ireland, and he grew supporting Celtic.

Club career

After playing youth football for Rangers, and spending loan spells at Edinburgh City, Dumbarton and Clyde, as well as in the United States with Orange County SC, Shiels signed for Hamilton Academical in summer 2021.

Shiels left Hamilton in June 2023 and re-joined Dumbarton in August 2023 scoring his first goal for the club in a 4–0 victory against Bonnyrigg Rose in November 2023, in a game where he also won a penalty and provided an assist. After impressing for the Sons, he left for Scottish League One side Cove Rangers in January 2024 – scoring on his final appearance for the Sons in a 4–1 defeat to Rangers. He left Cove after just eight appearances, and returned to Dumbarton on a season long deal in the summer of 2024.

International career

Having previously been called up for Scotland at under-17 level, in November 2017 he was called up to the Republic of Ireland under-18 squad, making his debut on 9 November.

He also played with the Republic of Ireland under-19s, before later reverting his international allegiance back to Scotland, playing ten games for the Scotland under-19 team.

Playing style

Shiels plays primarily as a left back, but also played as a left winger and striker for Rangers. On signing for Dumbarton in August 2023 he said he preferred playing in a more attacking role.

Honours

Hamilton Academical

• Scottish Challenge Cup: 2022–23