O'Neill cools Maloney Celtic link

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has denied striker Shaun Maloney is poised to return to Celtic.

Maloney, 24, has struggled to settle in the Midlands and has started only five games for the English Premier League club since his £1m move in February.

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

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

O'Neill said Maloney was a part of his future plans, adding that he was looking to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes on Friday.

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

Former Celtic manager O'Neill said Maloney was not the only ex-Celt who had moved to the English Premier League club.

"Stiliyan Petrov came down here along with some of my staff. We all have to move around."

Maloney, who was Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the Scottish Premier League in 2005/06, has also been linked with a move to Roy Keane's Sunderland.