Maloney may leave Villa

Winger keen on a return to Scotland

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 29th May 2008

Maloney may leave Villa

Maloney: Limited opportunities

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Shaun Maloney admits that he is contemplating leaving Aston Villa after failing to settle in England.

The talented playmaker arrived at Villa Park in January 2007, but has been unable to hold down a first-team spot since making the £1million move.

He suffered from home-sickness during his early days in Birmingham, but having overcome his initial difficulties has still been unable to force his way into Martin O'Neill's plans.

The Scottish international has made no secret of his desire to return to his homeland at some stage in his career and acknowledges that the time may be right for him to make that move sooner rather than later.

Enjoyment

Celtic are believed to be keen on taking him back to Parkhead and the winger revealed that he has decisions to make over the summer.

"I've got something to think about," said Maloney ahead of Scotland's friendly against the Czech Republic on Friday.

"I have started to enjoy the club down south but I've just not played and I don't think that's ideal. We will see what happens in the next few months.

"One day I'd like to come back and play in Scotland but I have got a few years left at Villa so we will see what happens."