SPL: Maloney looking forward to return

It is almost a year ago to the day that a fresh-faced Shaun Maloney burst on the scene with a dazzling display as Celtic celebrated the Scottish Premier League title in style with a victory over Rangers.

The young substitute was so unknown that even Celtic coach Steve Walford spelt his name wrong on the teamsheet.

But a year on and the dangerous striker insists that the time is right for him to finally make a name for himself at Parkhead.

Maloney stated: ‘‘I’m part of the squad now and I’ve got to act like it instead of acting as though I’m just happy to be there.’’

After enjoying many appearances from the bench earlier this campaign he suddenly lost confidence and form and suffered the ultimate disappointment.

He was dropped from the bench and had to watch his team-mates retain the trophy from the stand against Livingston last week.

But he is set to come back into the side against Dunfermline today and is determined to hang onto the shirt this time.

‘‘It was quite disappointing,’’ admitted Maloney.

‘‘I’ve been sitting out for a wee while now and it’s been hard.

‘‘That’s probably the first knockback I’ve had since I’ve broke into the first team.

‘‘But I’ve got to keep my head down and work as hard as I can to get back in the squad.

‘‘Realistically I was going to lose form or confidence, but they just managed to happen at the same time and I deserved it.

‘‘But the way things are going I’m just starting to get back to my old self and hopefully I can force myself back in.’’

Despite the disappointment, Maloney realises there was a reason for him being left out.

‘‘The managers and the coaches have left me out for a reason and hopefully I can get back to how I played at the start of the season and keep on improving,’’ he said.

‘‘They didn’t tell me, but I’m not going to go knocking down doors and asking why I’m not playing because things have gone so well for me and they’ve been so good to me.

‘‘I’ve got ambitions to get in the starting 11 and I don’t want to sit up in the stand.

‘‘I’m sure the manager’s looking at how I take it, but I really don’t want to be in the stand any more.

‘‘I’m sure if you ask any player they would sooner be down there on the pitch than watching from afar.’’

He admitted that joining in the celebrations after last week’s victory was an awkward experience for him.

Maloney said: ‘‘It was a great day because I’ve played enough games to get a medal so it was a special moment.

‘‘But it was difficult to come down from the stand and try and get into the same kind of mood as everybody else.’’

Maloney watched as young team-mate Stephen Crainey played in the defence.

The young full-back has also broken into Berti Vogts’ Scotland squad and the striker admits that is what all the young players at the club are trying to aspire to.

‘‘The way things have worked out and now he’s playing regular, he’s been brilliant’’ said Maloney.

‘‘Everybody’s been happy for him and, of course, all the young boys want to do exactly what he’s done.

‘‘He’s found himself playing regularly for Celtic and getting international honours is something we all look up to.

‘‘If you are playing well for the club then the international manager has shown that he’ll pick you.’’