Maloney takes training at Celtic Park ahead of FC Midtjylland test

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The Celtic Star

·5 novembre 2025

Maloney takes training at Celtic Park ahead of FC Midtjylland test

Shaun Maloney took training today at a wet Celtic Park before the Celtic squad – including Hampden hero Callum Osmand – headed to Glasgow Airport for their flight to Denmark for tomorrow’s Europa League match against FC Midtjylland in Jutland.

In his interview on Celtic TV yesterday Maloney noted that FC Midtjylland were flying high at the top of the Europa League standings with nine points from nine after their impressive start to the campaign. He also pointed out that by sheer coincidence, Martin O’Neill was at their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground and has described FC Midtjylland as a very strong team.

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That said, Maloney talked about the high quality of the players at Celtic and pointed out that the team intend to play with the intensity and aggression that we’ve seen in the games against Falkirk and theRangers and if they can do that then Celtic’s chances are good.

Shaun Maloney and Martin O’Neill at Celtic Park on October 28, 2025 (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

While Martin O’Neill at 73 isn’t really going to be interested in taking the permanent job on a permanent basis, he certainly could be persuaded to stay around for the rest of this season, with Maloney taking care of training. That could even open the door for Shaun to get the job on a permanent basis.

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– mercredi 5 novembre 2025

He was actually asked about this last Tuesday when the interim team was unveiled following the dramatic events at the club the night before as Brendan Rodgers’ time at the club came to an abrupt conclusion.

Reflecting on that Maloney said: “It was a traumatic day for everyone. Not just at the stadium but at the training ground as well. They’ve lost some brilliant people but you have to move on pretty quickly.

Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney celebrate Celtic’s opening goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“After speaking with Martin, it was about trying to bring stability to the club.The last 24 hours have been a bit of a whirlwind but it was really, really east to say yes to Martin because of what he’s done for me and my family.”

When asked if Maloney had ambitions to take on the job permanently, Maloney said: “No, nowhere near anything long term. I came back here in a role with the board and then Brendan so at this present time no.

“I’m going to try my best to support Martin and the players but this is interim and then I’ll go back to my role.”

Shaun Maloney and Martin O’Neill. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

A week can be a long time in football, and you wonder if Shaun would so forthright now. Martin O’Neill clearly has the bug again and his arm wouldn’t need much twisting if he’s to stay around a little longer than expected.

That could open to door for Maloney, ironically enough may cynics predicted that was the plan all along since his return to the club and with Brendan Rodgers likely to leave in next summer earlier after giving his 200% certain assurance that he’d see out his three years.

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books