Shaun Maloney will not be returning to Celtic, according to his agent. The Scotland international moved to Aston Villa six months ago but speculation abounded over the weekend that he could be on his way back to Parkhead.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan refused to rule out a move for Maloney saying:  "It would be unfair of me to talk about that, he's signed to another club."

But Maloney's advisor John Halliwell told the Scottish Sun: "All this talk about Shaun being unhappy is news to me but there's nothing in it.  The last conversation I had with Celtic was in January.

"There is always talk about Shaun because he is a talented player but this is just completely made up. He's been working so hard to get fit because he's so desperate to make an impact in the Premiership.

"He's away to the USA this Wednesday with Aston Villa.  It's a big season for him and he's just excited to now get his first full season in the Premiership underway."

Meanwhile, Irish defender Darren O'Dea will miss the Hoops' trip to the USA after aggravating an old hamstring injury.