Aston Villa FC

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O'Neill signals Maloney stay

27 Aug 2007 - 11:34:15

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has tried to calm continuing speculation that Shaun Maloney is poised to return to former club Celtic.

The 24-year-old forward only moved to Villa Park in January from the SPL champions, but has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, although he scored a late winner in the 2-1 victory over Fulham at the weekend.

O'Neill said: "Shaun is definitely a bit homesick and it's something the media in Scotland seem to pick up on on a daily basis.

"But I've spoken to Shaun and no-one is going anywhere.

"This is the first time that Shaun has really been away from home, but I do not envisage him leaving. He has a future to play for with us."

Maloney himself added: "I admit I have struggled to settle at Villa, but I've spoken to the manager and he appears to be okay with me at the moment.

"Homesickness is really down to myself. I've been here since January and haven't found a place to live yet.

"Hopefully things will get sorted out one way or another and I can start playing well. I haven't done that since I joined Villa."