Celtic TV: Exclusive interview with Shaun Maloney

In partnership with

Celtic F.C.

·5 novembre 2025

Celtic TV: Exclusive interview with Shaun Maloney

It’s been little more than a week since Shaun Maloney got the call to step away from his role Celtic’s Professional Player Pathway Manager in order to assist Martin O’Neill in the Celtic dugout.

Amid yet another busy week, the former Hoops striker took time out to speak exclusively to Celtic TV following back-to-back wins - a 4-0 win over Falkirk and a 3-1 Hampden win over Rangers to reach the League Cup final.

OneFootball Video

He said: “It’s been busy! The first part of that week was really difficult. I’ve spoken to the group and all the staff, but it’s difficult on a personal level when we lose really good staff.

“And then really quickly you have to prepare for a game on the Wednesday. Within that, obviously getting clarity on what Martin wants the team to look like, trying build the staff, it was really busy at the start and it didn’t stop until probably yesterday.

“Yesterday we could possibly take a bit of time to reflect on the week, but in general, it was probably the game against Rangers, and now it starts again.”

The unity on the pitch was evident in both games, and Maloney has experienced first-hand the team spirit off the field as well.

He said: “The senior players have been pivotal, they really have. The senior players off the pitch have been amazing for the manager, myself and the staff.

“Callum, Keiran, James, Alistair Johnston, and Cameron Carter-Vickers made a really big effort to come to the game on Sunday, he’s only a few days post-surgery. And Kasper on the pitch has just made a massive impact.

“The senior ones have really driven inside the dressing room. It must have been difficult for them that week, and they’ve just thrown themselves into the two games.

“In terms of the two injured lads, Cameron and Alistair, they really came to me and wanted to come.

"Then if you actually talk about on-pitch, James Forrest in the two games has just produced brilliant one-v-one moments, Kieran coming back into the Rangers game with an assist and, again some brilliant moments.

“Callum and Kasper have been there every second. Kasper had a brilliant save against Falkirk at 1-0 and then had another couple of massive moments.

‘And Callum – in terms of tactically, there’s not too many more intelligent players that I have worked with.’

“He’s been really good, he really understands what we’re looking for.

“We have made slight changes in terms of anything tactical, I mean like really slight. Possibly the biggest one is the mentality to try and hurt teams in behind, run more from midfield and the wide players.

“But, again these are things that you just sometimes have to remind them of. I’ve watched this team for four or five years, and when they’re at their best they are a hell of a team.”

Subscribe to Celtic TV