Shimmin started his career spending six years at Highbury playing for the various youth teams at Arsenal under Arsène Wenger.
[2] Shimmin made his début against Coventry City in a 3–0 defeat, however a serious nose injury prevented him from playing many games for QPR.
[11] Shimmin was named Irn-Bru Phenomenal Young Player of the Month for October 2008, after helping Morton to rally after a poor start to the season.
[12] Shimmin spent nine months out 'injured', from March 2009, making a return on the bench for the Scottish Cup game at Dumbarton on 5 December.
[16] Shimmin made four appearances for the England under-16 side in 2003, whilst playing in the David Carins Memorial Trophy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.