Maloney seals Celtic return

Forward signs four-year deal at Parkhead

Last updated: 22nd August 2008

Maloney seals Celtic return

Maloney: Back at Celtic

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Celtic have completed the signing of former star Shaun Maloney from Aston Villa.

A return to Parkhead for Maloney has been mooted for some time and now the Scottish international has signed a four-year deal with the club.

The 25-year-old, who left Celtic to join Villa in January 2007, struggled to hold down a regular place in Martin O'Neill's side and never really settled in England.

Celtic have moved to offer the skilful attacker a quick return to Glasgow and he becomes Celtic's fifth signing of the summer.

Maloney could go straight into the squad for Saturday's home clash with Falkirk.

The diminutive forward conceded he was never sure Villa was the right move for him.

Asked if he regretted the switch, he said: "I wouldn't say regret but I think at the time I probably knew in my heart of hearts it wasn't the right move.

"I don't want to disrespect the club I was at but I think they knew in the first few months I really struggled with it and the manager and staff were great with me.

"But I knew it wasn't the club I wanted to play for and, thankfully, I came back."