Maloney celebrates scoring against Sunderland

Maloney scored a stunning free-kick in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Saturday and he hopes it will give him a chance of getting more time on the pitch.

"Fingers crossed a goal like that will help my cause," the 24-year-old told the club's website.

"I'm more settled, I am really enjoying training and I have got a place in the city centre so things are fine now."

Maloney has had only a bit-part role to play under manager Martin O'Neill since his �1m move from Celtic during the January transfer window.

And the midfielder has been repeatedly linked with a return to Celtic Park.

However, the player added: "I haven't been to see the manager about my future.

"I have just been training and hopefully getting as much action as I could.

"All the reports about me being unsettled are not really from south of the border. I've been linked in Scotland a lot with Celtic.

"Of course, it is very frustrating when you are not playing regularly. Obviously you want to play as much as you can and get in the starting line-up."