Wigan new boy Shaun Maloney admits the lure of the Premier League was his chief reason for ending his long association with Celtic. The Scotland forward signed a two-year deal with Latics on Wednesday after an offer of around £1m was accepted. Maloney spent a 19-month spell with Aston Villa from 2007-08 but has otherwise spent his entire career at Parkhead.
Maloney said: "I spoke to the manager (Roberto Martinez) a couple of days ago and that started to be the reason why, over the last couple of days, I thought this would be something that excites me. I can't wait to get started. After speaking with both clubs, I decided it was probably the right time - especially the league Wigan are in, it is just something that straight away appealed. And the manager was that positive when I spoke to him that you just want to come and train and play under him."
Maloney's second spell at Celtic was marred by injury but he believes a second crack at the English top flight could revive his career. He added: "I had a really enjoyable time the first time with Villa and I am really looking forward to it."