Shaun Maloney

Shaun Richard Maloney (born 24 January 1983 in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia) is a Scottish footballer who plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League and also for the Scottish national team. He plays on either wing or up front and occasionally as an attacking midfielder. Maloney is known for his set-piece accuracy and confidence when shooting and also for being the first player to claim both the SPFA Players' Player of the Year Award and the Young Player of the Year during his first spell with Celtic.

Early life

Maloney's family moved to his mother's home-town of Aberdeen, Scotland when he was 5 years old.

At a young age, Maloney found a love for sport, particularly football and tennis. By the age of 10, he had joined his first football club, Kincorth Boys' Club. He played regularly for his Primary School Team, St Joseph's. At 12, he moved to Culter Boys' Club then at 14, to Albion Boys' Club. He played a number of games for Cults Academy, where he was a student.

Club career

Celtic

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. He spent the next few years trying to break into the first team, spending most of his time as a substitute.

In February 2004, Maloney picked up a cruciate ligament injury. Irish Examiner, 26 February...
Read More