Shaun Maloney has denied reports that he is seeking a return to Scotland during the transfer window.

The Scottish midfielder arrived at Aston Villa in January with a glowing reputation after six years with Celtic. However, he has struggled to adapt to life in England and has struggled to hold down a regular position in the first-team.

Maloney admits that he has found it tough being away from home, but insists that he is not looking to return north of the border in January.

The Scottish international scored his second goal in nine appearances, with a fine free-kick against Sunderland on Saturday, and believes that he is finally starting to find his feet in the Premier League.

"To be honest all the reports are not really from down here," Maloney told Aston Villa's official website.

"I don't really see them but obviously my family do, but they don't make much of it.

"I am enjoying training a lot more than I did last season but I would like to play a bit more.

"Obviously you want to play as much as you can and get in the starting eleven. I want to play a lot more but to be honest there are other players on the bench who want to play as well.

"Fingers crossed a goal like that (against Sunderland) will help my cause. I haven't seen the manager about my future I am just training away."

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