THE ARQUND GROUNDS EFL-NON-LEAGUE-SCOTLAND

The Wigan gaffer on why he could have taken up tennis, seeking Sir Alex's advice and memories of cup glory with the Latics

INTERVIEW 
SHAUN MALONEY

Interview Ed McCambridge 

Is it true you used to play tennis with Andy Murray as a kid?

No, though I played against his brother, Jamie. Andy was a few years younger than me so we never faced each other, but we'd often be at the same youth tournaments. I remember seeing him play when he was about nine and he was already super talented. I wasn't quite as gifted but I tried hard. I opted for football instead and, thankfully, it turned out to be a pretty good choice.

You joined Celtic as a teenager and played a part as the Bhoys reached the 2003 UEFA Cup Final. What are your memories?

Scottish football was in a great place in the early 2000s. I remember Henrik Larsson and John Hartson both being injured ahead of the UEFA Cup last 16 first leg against Stuttgart, and I got my first big start. We won 3-1 and I scored. We then beat Liverpool en route to the final and eventually lost 3-2 to Jose Mourinho’s Porto – I came on in extratime. I’ve still never watched that final again. We also lost the league title four days later, with Rangers pipping us on goal difference. It was heartbreaking but, looking back, what an incredible season for a youngster to experience.

You were crowned Scotland’s player of the year and young player of the year in 2006. What an achievement…

I’d missed most of the previous season through injury, then Gordon Strachan replaced Martin O’Neill as boss and was keen to develop more of the younger lads. He changed my role from striker to left-winger and gave me confidence to go out and show what I could do.

You signed for Aston Villa in January 2007, but didn’t settle at first. Why?