Former Celtic winger Shaun Maloney has emerged as a contender for the Wigan Athletic vacancy. The highly-rated Maloney made 215 appearances for The Hoops across two spells but he is currently out of work having been sacked by Hibs.

Maloney, who started his coaching journey at Celtic, has worked with Belgium as Assistant Manager to Roberto Martinez. Although, he will likely be looking to get another No.1 role having had a taste for it at Easter Road.

Now, Maloney has emerged as the favourite for the Latics vacancy, meaning that a return to the club where he won the FA Cup could be on the cards.

🚨📰 Shaun Maloney has now moved to 1/1 in the @SkyBet odds for the next Wigan Athletic Manager

🤔 Would you want to see our former Latics man in charge?#wafc pic.twitter.com/FjnTNKvlCm

— Central Wigan (@CentralWigan) November 13, 2022

The 39-year-old was sacked by Hibs after just four months in the hot seat, a bizarre decision by Ron Gordon but one that will have been a blow to the ex-Aston Villa and Wigan winger.

It will be interesting to see where Maloney ends up, he is very highly rated but was slated by Hibs fans. Incidentally, Hibs, who recruited heavily in the summer under Lee Johnston, have suffered six defeats in seven games suggesting that the issue wasn’t solely Maloney.

Another ex-Celt, Gary Caldwell, who worked as Maloney’s Assistant at Hibs is currently manager of Exeter, having been appointed at the end of last month.