Aston Villa FC

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Maloney aims to impress

26 Feb 2007 - 14:41:23

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Aston Villa's January recruit Shaun Maloney is hoping that a break from Premiership action will have helped him adapt to life in England.

The 24-year-old Scotland forward joined Villa for £1million from Celtic last month, but has been given an extended break due to his new club not having a game for nearly a month.

Maloney said: "Personally this break from playing has come at a good time for me. It's given me time to work on the fitness side of things.

"Before I came to Villa, I hadn't played a match in six weeks, maybe a bit longer. Game-time was lacking. But I have worked hard and hopefully I can be involved against Fulham.

"The level of performance I know I'll have to put in to stay in the side week in and week out is something that excites me.

"The Premiership is a higher level than the league I have come from in Scotland, although that is still a tough league to win.

"But to play against a level of opponent which means I will have to raise my game each week here at Villa will be a big challenge for me."