Aston Villa FC

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O'Neill slams Maloney link

03 Aug 2007 - 12:00:41

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has dismissed speculation linking Shaun Maloney with a quickfire return to Celtic.

The 24-year-old Scotland international joined Villa in January, but struggled to settle and scored once in eight appearances for the club.

However, O'Neill is adamant that the former Bhoys forward will prove to be a hit at Villa Park in the long run.

He told the club's official website: "I've been alerted to a story which says there are advanced negotiations with Celtic about Shaun. That is not true. I have not spoken to Shaun about this.

"I know he was a bit homesick, but being homesick is one thing and leaving another and he has not intimated to me about leaving.

"I will speak to him if it is necessary, but Celtic have not been in touch with me about Shaun. It is news to me.

"I wouldn't really be wanting people to leave the club. But if people are coming in and demanding that for one reason or another, then we will see.

"I'll ask the question and if there are genuine reasons for wanting to leave, I'll listen to them. But if you are talking about Shaun, I have not had that conversation with him."