Monday Feb 26 2007 14:41
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."
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