Shaun Maloney explains new Celtic responsibilities after Strachan and Wallace departures

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.

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.”