Shaun Maloney keen to stake Villa claim

Feb 6 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

SHAUN Maloney says he is looking to build on only his third 90 minutes in the Premier League.

The Scottish winger performed well enough at Fulham to give himself a chance of facing Newcastle, although Ashley Young will be available.

It was only his fifth league start of the season and his third full game after his debut at Reading 12 months ago and against Wigan in December.

"Whenever I have played, I've done okay and I realise the team doesn't revolve around me," said Maloney.

"I played my first full 90 minutes in a while against Fulham on Sunday and hopefully I can force my way into the starting line-up on a more regular basis."

Maloney admits his Scotland place is in doubt. He added: "I can fully understand not getting a game for Scotland if I'm not playing every week for Villa.

"Playing for Scotland is massive for me and I need to play a lot more for Villa to stay in the squad."