Shaun Maloney

Shaun Richard Maloney is a Scottish footballer who plays as aattacking midfielder or winger for English Premier League club Wigan Athletic and the Scotland national team. After joining Celtic as a trainee in 1999, Maloney made his first team debut on 29 April 2001 against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, in a 3–0 win for Celtic. Maloney was in lethal form for Celtic in the 2005–06 season after being moved from a striking position to the left of midfield by manager Gordon Strachan. In recognition of his excellent season he was awarded both the SPFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. Just before the transfer window closed on 31 January 2007, Maloney signed a pre-contract agreement with Aston Villa. Just before the transfer window closed on 31 January 2007, Maloney signed a pre-contract agreement with Aston Villa for a reported fee of £1m. On 28 April 2007, Maloney scored his first Villa goal in a victory against Man City at the City of Manchester Stadium from a free kick. On 22 August 2008, Celtic announced the signing of Maloney on a four-year deal for a fee of £3 million. Maloney marked his return with a Man of the Match performance and two assists in his first match- a 3–0 victory over Falkirk at Celtic Park. Maloney joined Wigan Athletic in the Premier League on 31 August 2011 for a fee of £850,000, signing a three-year deal. On 28 April, Maloney scored Wigan\'s third goal in an emphatic 4–0 win over fourth placed Newcastle. Being a Scottish national, Maloney has made 20 appearances and netted six times for Scotland Under 21s.