ian1964 10,410 Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 HOMESICK Shaun Maloney is set for a sensational return to Celtic just eight months after controversially quitting Parkhead for a crack at the Premiership. Record Sport believes talks between the SPL champions and Maloney's club, Aston Villa, are at an advanced stage and the 24-year-old will return to Celtic in a �£1million deal within the next week. Maloney has sought assurances from friends in Glasgow that he will be welcomed back by Hoops fans Many supporters criticised the striker's decision to leave during the January transfer window. At the time, talks aimed at securing the Scotland attacker on a long-term contract failed and Celtic criticised the influence the player's agent, John Halliwell, had on his decision to move to Villa Park for �£1m on the last day of the window. Maloney has failed to settle in the Midlands and although he had teamed back up with his former manager at Celtic, Martin O'Neill, the little wideman found first-team chances restricted. Maloney started just five games after his move, scoring once, and made it known he would consider coming back to Scotland. Celtic were alerted to the situation and are now close to giving Maloney, who won the SPFA Player and Young Player of the Year Awards in 2006, another chance at Parkhead. Advertisement Celtic coach Tommy Burns, speaking after Maloney scored his first international goal in six appearances, against the Faroe Islands at the end of the season, claimed the player had left Scotland too soon. Burns said: "Shaun decided to take the plunge and go for it. I think I would have stayed here until I was 25 or 26 and had had three or four good years like the season Shaun had the year before last. "I think he basically went too soon. Kenny Dalglish is the perfect example for me. He was 26, had played seven or eight years in Scotland, did everything he possibly could have, and then said he was ready for England." Maloney might have gone too early in his career but it looks like he will be given a massive chance to rectify the mistake by the club that didn't want to lose him in the first place. Rumour or Fact ? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_2010 0 Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 wonder if they will put the same spin on this as the barry ferguson story. seems to be very similar situation... 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraser54 0 Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 This was said in January, earlier pn in July and now again. Every time Villa and Maloney's agent deny's it. So i dont know 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted August 2, 2007 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Maloney is a bit of a Chris Burke IMO. Has talent but only on a small stage and is very inconsistant. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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