Shaun Maloney explains new Celtic responsibilities after Strachan and Wallace departures
· Yahoo Sports
Shaun Maloney has revealed he will take on a more hands-on role with Celtic’s attacking players this season following changes to Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff.
9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney speaks to the press after the match
Visit turconews.click for more information.
The former Hoops midfielder will focus more closely on individual work with Celtic’s forwards, taking on responsibilities previously held by Gavin Strachan and Greg Wallace following their departures.
Maloney had previously concentrated on areas away from the training pitch but will now play a greater part in helping Celtic’s attacking players sharpen their game.
He said via The Herald:“I have picked up the individual work with the attacking players after games.
“Last season it was Gavin Strachan who did that. I can’t take any credit for that! We also had Greg Wallace, who went to Saudi with Brendan Rodgers recently, and those two were really good with the individual stuff. I was doing things away from the pitch more, so I will pick more of that up this season.
“Stephen McManus and Mark Fotheringham do their stuff with different positions, but it was Gav and Greg who did the attacking work.”
Maloney’s increased involvement comes at a time when competition for places in Celtic’s forward line is intensifying.
Yang Hyun-jun, Jota, James Forrest, Sebastian Tounekti and summer arrival Camilo Duran are among those battling for attacking positions, with Haissem Hassan set to provide O’Neill with another option.
The Celtic manager has also made it clear how he wants his wide players to operate, with an emphasis on being aggressive and taking risks when isolated against defenders.
Explaining O’Neill’s approach, Maloney said: “Martin is really aggressive in that he wants wingers to take on their opponent when we create a one-v-one.
“He gives the wingers the confidence that they can do that and that they shouldn’t worry about losing it.”
HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…
Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star
Summer Sale now on! Both books for just £20 plus P&P. Order now at Celticstarbooks.com
Quick Tip –Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!
Click to join Celtic Pools
