Maloney is in line to be Scotland's player of the year

"If it didn't happen this season then I would have had to seriously look at that, but thankfully it hasn't come to that," said the 23-year-old forward.

Maloney is discussing an extension to his contract, which has a year to run.

"I've found they don't really happen that quickly, but I'm sure it will happen nonetheless," he said.

Maloney was frustrated to find himself on the sidelines having battled back from a serious knee injury last season but is pleased with a regular run that has seen him score 14 times this season.

"I needed that extra bit of work ethic in my game and I have done that this season," he said.

I am looking all the time for players Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"I didn't realise what it took to play every week. Now I have a lot more respect for the players who have done it over the past four or five years since being in the first team.

"I didn't know how much pressure would be on me but defensively I still need to improve."

Meanwhile, manager Gordon Strachan has stressed that no player is assured of his place next season, despite his side being on the brink of a runaway title.

"I am looking all the time for players," he said.

"I am looking at every position and you have to remember, when I played football, I understood the manager was looking to find a player that was better than me.

"Every player understands that because that's the way it goes.

"Finding players that are better is the problem and we just don't want to get ordinary ones.