Martin O'Neill this afternoon wished the departing Shaun Maloney every success with Celtic but conceded: "I'd like to have seen him stay."

Scottish international Maloney has returned to Parkhead after 18 months at Villa Park.

And, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke City, O'Neill told www.avfc.co.uk: "I'm disappointed that Shaun has gone really because I'd rather be adding to the squad than subtracting.

"Shaun has been away from Glasgow for about 18 months. There was definitely a bit of homesickness early on but I think he got over that.

"I think it was just a case that Celtic came calling again and the cal was too strong. So it was in the best interests of everyone involved for him to go back again."

The Villa boss continued: "I'm particularly disappointed that he's gone. We could have done with him. I know he might think that his chances were limited in his two favourite positions - wide-left coming in with the ball on the edge of the penalty area or centre-forward alongside someone pretty strong.

"In those positions at different stages he's done remarkably well. But the two players who might be keeping him out of the team are Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor. So he might have felt his chances were limited.

"But you never know in this game. Anything can happen and I'll just reiterate my disappointment that he's gone but I wish him all the very best."

Tune into AVTV Online for much more from MON's pre-match press conference.