BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Scotland forward Shaun Maloney has been hailed as a ‘class act’ by Hull City manager Steve Bruce after netting his first goal for the club at the weekend.
Bruce also revealed how the former Celtic playmaker took a ‘huge’ pay cut to secure a return to England from MLS outfit Chicago Fire in August.
Maloney climbed off the bench on Saturday to notch the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Bristol City.
The 32-year-old has only made two starts from a total of eight Championship appearances this term but Bruce admits low-maintenance Maloney has been a joy to work with.
He said: “He’s a class act and he’s had to be patient to get his chance in the team.
“He’s one of those great pros, he’s not knocked on the door or spat his tummy out. A lot do.
“Shaun looked great in training and there’s not many like him. He’s an old fashioned pro.
“He’s had to sit on the bench and he’s never moaned or groaned or said a word. He understands, he trains every day and comes in on his day off.
“If he’s not playing he comes in the next day making sure he does everything he can to get in the side.
“He’s a delight. Footballers are often maligned but if they were all like him I’d have an easy job.
“He’s come in here, took a right few quid wage drop, and trained every day.
“He’s a top professional, who’s taken huge, huge sacrifices in salary.
“When he gets his chance like Saturday, that little bit of composure and that little bit of quality has come smiling through.”
