Euro 2016: Shaun Maloney relief ahead of Scotland trip to Georgia

Maloney (left) has 40 Scotland caps

Shaun Maloney is relieved that his transfer to Hull City was completed in time for him to concentrate on Scotland's Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The 32-year-old midfielder was sold to Hull by Chicago Fire.

"It meant I could get back to the UK in time for this game and get settled," said Maloney as the Scots prepare to face Georgia in Tbilisi.

"I think with any player it is a reasonably stressful period three or four days before a transfer."

Maloney had previously explained that his struggle to recover from the long flights home from the United States to play for Scotland had been a major factor in his return to British football.

"Being in the squad and part of the team means a lot to me at this stage and it was certainly something that was on my mind when I made the move," he said.

Maloney was also in relaxed and anticipatory mood about Scotland's prospects about qualifying from Group D.

Scotland head for the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena on Friday in third place, three points behind Poland and two adrift of Germany, who visit Hampden Park on Monday.

"I've also been in other squads where at this stage of the campaign the pressure was off for the reason we were out of the group," said Maloney.

Scotland lost 2-0 on their last visit to face Georgia in Tbilisi in 2007

"So I think we have got to be pleased with where we are in the group at the moment and be happy that there is this pressure at this time."

Maloney is hoping to make amends for one of his biggest international disappointments - when Scotland lost 2-0 in Tbilisi in September 2007 after securing four consecutive European Championship qualifying wins.

Scotland just missed out on Euro 2008 following a late defeat by Italy the following month.

"It's one of the games that stands out," Maloney said. "We played some brilliant matches against France and that particular match in Georgia was really disappointing.

"It's an experience that all players have had in their career, being part of a team that was so close to qualifying.

"But we played really well against Georgia in the first game in the group, particularly in the first half. In the second, we saw Georgia are a good team.

"I know their points total hasn't been what they deserved, or at least what they hoped for, but it will be a difficult match, as any away game in international football is."

"I think we have done very well to be in a position to give us that opportunity and now obviously we'll see if we are good enough to take it and hopefully we will be."