maloney up for the challenges ahead

Gregor Kyle
THE bright lights of the English Premiership draw players from every continent, all desperate to make their name on the world’s most publicised stage.

But having started life at Celtic Park, for Shaun Maloney there was something missing, the constant pressure and strain that had punctuated every day his day in Glasgow.

For some that weight of expectation is too much to bear, but as the midfielder spoke about his return home after penning a four-year contract, he explained that he had a ‘green’ eye trained on Glasgow during his time at Aston Villa.

“I was envious,” said Maloney, “particularly watching the Champions League run that we had and the way that the league was won last year.

“I was just envious and wanted to be a part of it. I don’t think that’s a bad thing and I was happy at the same time, because I still know quite a few people here.

“One of the things that I really missed was the pressure,” he continued, “the tension that is there every week and the knowledge that you need to win, otherwise your rivals across the city will benefit.

“Not having that pressure is something that I wasn’t used to and there were others things I missed, like the support on European nights.

“I just think that because I came through the ranks at the club, it meant so much more for me to play here.

“The only thing that I can say to justify it, without being disrespectful to Aston Villa, is that they have players who have come through the ranks, like Gabi Agbonlahor and I know what the fans feel about them and I know how they feel about the club. I can only say that it’s the same for me at Celtic.”

The midfielder spoke candidly about the past year and a half at Villa Park and about his decision to leave Glasgow at a time when, for many, he was beginning to fulfil his undoubted potential.

“Leaving Celtic was a mistake and I shouldn’t have come to the decision that I had to leave,” he commented, admitting that he now faces a fight to re-establish himself in the side.

“The squad is a lot stronger now,” he said. “I will have a right hard battle trying to get in this team and I know that, but it’s a battle I am looking forward to.

“I have learned a lot in the past year and a half, about how to deal with different situations. It will take me a while to get my match fitness back, but I am looking forward to it.

“I am not sure what reception to expect and I know there were a lot of people unhappy with me leaving and I can understand that.

“Hopefully it’s a good reception and if it’s mixed, then hopefully my performances will show that I am committed and happy to be here.

“I know it’s going to be difficult and I know that winning round the fans is one of the main things I’ll have to do.

“I have to produce the right performances and get them back round. Leaving was a decision that I might have got wrong and hopefully they won’t hold it against me too much.

“That mistake was made by myself and I didn’t handle the whole contract situation too well. Villa was a great club, the fans were brilliant, but I shouldn’t have come to that decision in the first place. Thankfully the transfer has gone through now and I have a fresh start.”