Maloney has struggled to settle since joining Villa

Shaun Maloney has said he is hoping for a recall to Aston Villa's starting line-up when they take on Odense in the Intertoto Cup second leg on Saturday.

Maloney scored two goals in Villa's 3-2 friendly win at Walsall on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old Scottish midfielder told the club's website: "Fingers crossed I can play a part on Saturday.

"The boys played pretty well in patches in Odense so I think it will be difficult to break into the starting line-up for the second leg."

He added: "I've done all I can so hopefully the manager knows I am ready if the call comes."

Maloney joined Villa from Scottish giants Celtic for �1m in January 2007, he made 13 starts last season and also appeared as a substitute 12 times, scoring 6 goals.