Maloney transfer talk dismissed

Aug 3 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has for a second time found himself denying any knowledge of Celtic's interest in Shaun Maloney and insisted that the Scottish play-maker remains a part of his future plans.

Maloney has struggled to settle in the Midlands following his move from Celtic in January, but the Villa boss is insistent he has heard nothing from Gordon Strachan's side.

Newspaper speculation in Scotland had centred yesterday on Maloney being involved in advanced discusions to return to Celtic barely six months after his £1million deadline day move.

But O'Neill said: "That is not true. I have not spoken to Shaun about this.

"I know he was a bit homesick but he has not intimated to be about leaving. I will speak to him if it is necessary. Celtic have not been in touch with me about it."