ON THE BENCH Says Bert Mitchell
In a Celtic context it is never wise to return to the scene of previous triumphs - just ask Charlie Nicholas, Andy Walker Frank McAvennie and Bertie Auld. And, frankly, in Shaun Maloney's case, at just 25, it smacks of desperation and no little lack of self-belief.
It may also be delusional for just who will make way for the now former Aston Villa player. Informed opinion suggests the diminutive Celt's best position is in left midfield, but will Aiden McGeady be told to warm the bench to make way? Unlikely.
Up front, Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink may not have caught fire but they are a 50-goal partnership based on last season. Gordon Strachan will undoubtedly give them time.
With Shunsuke Nakamura on the right flank and Scott Brown and Paul Hartley in central midfield, Maloney may once again cut a little-Bhoy- lost figure.
AS MR VERSATILE Says ALISON McCONNELL
SHAUN Maloney's versatility will be the key to his involvement in the Hoops this season.
The 25-year-old might feel as though he has it all to do in winning over a section of the Parkhead support and proving he is capable of the form that won him Player and Young Player gongs in 2006.
But it looks like he will have to do his impressing in a number of different roles.
The player had a decent scoring record in his first stint at the club, many coming from set-pieces, and he could find himself in a striking role this season.
Scott McDonald has struggled to find the form of last season when he netted 31 times.
His weight seems to have become an issue this summer and the introduction of Maloney as well as the signing of Georgios Samaras gives Gordon Strachan a couple of other options up front.
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