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HARTLEY BACKS MALONEY RETURN

Maloney - linked with a return to Celtic.

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley has no fears about Shaun Maloney returning to Parkhead for the second time.

Maloney, 25, who left the SPL champions for Aston Villa in January 2007, is set to re-join the Hoops ahead of Saturday's clash against Falkirk.

Hartley believes Maloney will make a mockery of the old football adage that players should never go back to a former club.

He said: "It doesn't always happen that way with players and I'm sure if Shaun signs, he will relish the chance to return.

"It's a good move for him and a good move for the club.

"We are always looking to improve and he is another good player.

"We have a good squad as it is now and we know Shaun can play in a number of positions.

"He had a good spell at Celtic the first time, so I'm sure he will do well again."

Hartley, who missed Scotland's draw against Northern Ireland last night with an ankle knock, is confident Maloney's return to Parkhead will also rejuvenate his international career, benefiting both club and country.

He said: "We have five or six Scottish internationals in the Celtic team already, so he will be another good addition.

"I played with Shaun at international level and I know what he can bring to the team."

Hartley refused to be downbeat after Scotland's goalless draw against Northern Ireland, which left the hosts looking for their first win in three games under George Burley.

The former Hearts player is confident things will come right when the real business begins against Macedonia and Iceland.

He said: "Northern Ireland made it very difficult for us but in spells we were good and the only thing we didn't do was put the ball in the net.

"But our passing was very good at times, we had a young squad and the players that came in did particularly well.

"However, the real stuff starts in two weeks' time when we go to Macedonia and Iceland - that's when you are judged as a footballer.

"And as footballers, we know there are no easy games and when you go to places like Macedonia and Iceland, you know it's going to be hard.

"But over the last couple of seasons, Scotland's away form has been good and we have managed to get some excellent victories away from home."

Hartley revealed he is a doubt for Celtic's game against Falkirk at the weekend.

He said: "I picked up an ankle injury in the first game of the season against St Mirren and it's been bothering me ever since but hopefully it will be okay for the weekend.

"But I will leave that with the medical team at Celtic."