Martinez is sure that Maloney will settle in

and I can’t wait to get started.” Maloney was troubled by homesickness during his first period in the English Premier League, having joined Aston Villa from Celtic in a £3 million move in the January 2007 transfer window. He returned to Celtic for around £1m in August 2008.

Martinez has previously signed Gary Caldwell from Celtic, James McCarthy and James McArthur from Hamilton Accies and Conor Sammon from Kilmarnock, showing a considerable level of faith in players plying their trade in the SPL. He is convinced Maloney will be an significant asset to Wigan.

“We’re delighted to welcome Shaun, who has great experience and is at the perfect age to come and bring something different to our squad,” said Martinez.

“His previous experience in the Premier League will be a great platform to start his Wigan Athletic career, and now we want to make sure he enjoys that homely feeling at our football club to be able to bring his magic to our strong group of players.”

Maloney became the fourth player to leave Celtic during the summer, following the free transfers handed to Paul McGowan, Ben Hutchinson and Graham Carey. Six first team squad players have been loaned out – Efrain Juarez, Niall McGinn, Darren O’Dea, Josh Thompson, Daryl Murphy and Richie Towell.