Celtic have opened talks with Shaun Maloney about extending his contract until 2009. The 23-year-old striker is hoping a new deal will be agreed by next month.

Maloney fired Celtic into the CIS Insurance Cup final against Dunfermline when he grabbed the winner against Motherwell on Wednesday night.

And his agent, Mel Stein, is hoping he will be rewarded for his impressive form this season with a new deal.

Stein said: "I have started preliminary discussions with Celtic over a contract extension for Shaun Maloney. Shaun has made a significant impact this season and the good thing is he wants to stay with the club.

"Shaun has a lot of talent and he is bringing that to the fore now, as he has shown in the CIS Cup against Rangers and Motherwell. Hopefully a deal can be concluded over the next month or so and certainly before the final on March 19th."

PA