A former Hibs boss has insisted he isn’t the man leading Celtic from behind the scenes, ahead of a return to Easter Road this weekend.

The champions managed by Martin O’Neill showed who their potential in a 7-1 thumping of Hearts last weekend and they face Celta Vigo in the Europa League on Thursday. Then it’s a comeback in Leith for Shaun Maloney, who’s now assistant to boss O’Neill, having previously had a short-lived spell as Hibs head coach following Jack Ross’ exit.

It didn’t go to plan in the capital but rumours have suggested that the former Scotland midfielder is the brains behind the Celtic operation currently. Maloney has refuted that and insists all decisions are being made by O’Neill.

Shaun Maloney on Celtic position

He said: “Anyone that’s written or said that, I don’t think they’ve ever worked with Martin. I have no idea why somebody would say that. If they came into the building and watched us each day, Martin leads everything.

“Recruitment, team selection, tactical. I think Martin’s actually said all this. He’s said he takes responsibility, whether it’s win or lose. Even back 25 years ago, Martin very much would observe training sessions. There would be certain things where he would step in. It’s exactly the same here.

“He observes the majority of training, but when there’s something that he wants to put across to the players, he steps in. It’s how he works and it’s pretty much exactly how it was in the early 2000s. So, yeah, whoever says that obviously hasn’t worked with him or spoken to him. I felt a little bit like that last season. I don’t know if that was the right way to think.

“Martin always said that the legacy thing didn’t affect him. So I don’t know whether it was right or wrong that I felt that way. Maybe protective is the right word for it. I felt I owed him a lot for what he did for me as a person and my family. One day you’re cleaning boots and the next you’re living out your dream. So for a man to do that for you, then you’re indebted to him.

“I felt that all last season, but this season feels a little different. The opportunity to go and win again overrides that feeling. Myself, the boss and Mark Fotheringham are all signed for this year. Let’s see what the season has in store, because two weeks ago it was a really different period. We have to keep our heads down and try to keep winning.”