Maloney wants back in the international spotlight

25 September 2010 12:36
All players want to play at the hignhest level and miss it when they can't stay there. Shaun Maloney is hoping he will get a call up to the Scotland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against the Czech Republic and Spain next month. Injuries held back Maloney last season but he appears to be back to his best and has been endorsed by Hoops' boss Neil Lennon as a ready-made replacement for the injured James McFadden. Maloney was left out by Scotland boss Craig Levein for the draw at Lithuania and the Hampden win over Liechtenstein which took the Scots top of the table but will be looking for his name on the next squad list. Ahead of the game with Hibs at Parkhead, the former Aston Villa player said: "The manager has been quite kind so I have to thank him for that. I'm very hopeful that I will be in the squad but if not you respect the decision and continue to try harder for the next squad. It's been a really good start for Scotland and they are top of the table but to be fair I think with any national squad, no matter what predicament they are in, you are always proud and privileged to be selected so fingers crossed. I was pretty happy with my form at this time last year but that got curtailed with injury. It's only five games in to this season but it's a good start. When you are out injured you miss being part of the squad and that is one of the things that have been so pleasing at the start of this season, being involved with the squad. It was something that I definitely missed last season."

Source: FOOTYMAD