But Maloney hopes to fly out to America with the squad later this month to play some part against Boca Juniors before the big kick-off.

“In terms of fitness I feel great because I have been doing the same as everyone else and I have been worked just as hard, obviously except from the actual matches,” said Maloney.

“My foot is still sore and tender when I try to kick the ball so it will be a few more weeks yet, but hopefully not too long.

“We have two games in the States and I am crossing my fingers that I might be able to take part in the second match against Boca Juniors.

“As long as I’m fit for the start of the season I wouldn’t be that worried because I have worked really hard over the summer and I do feel in pretty good shape.”

Maloney believes Martin O’Neill will not be too concerned by the player’s inactivity.

“I don’t think the manager would be too worried if it came to the fact that I had to play without a lot of match practice because I am fit and raring to go,” said Maloney.

“I’m tired right now because of all the work, but I can’t wait for the start of the season and to be able to play.

“It’s hard watching the rest of the lads play games and train with the ball and I just want to be out there as well.

“The games in America are against great teams and I’ll be disappointed if I’m not fit for them, but I’ll still be on my way back and there’s no point in rushing back and aggravating the injury.

“As long as I’m ready for the start of the season I’ll be happy.”

O’Neill believes their thrilling UEFA Cup adventure could have prevented Neil Lennon from quitting.

Bigots forced the former Northern Ireland international to quit international football and he was allegedly attacked in Glasgow’s west end after his side’s win at Motherwell near the end of the season.

O’Neill feels the midfielder could have been forgiven for seeking a move.

He said: “Neil was a bit shaken by the incident after the Motherwell game and may have asked himself whether it was all worth it.

“When you combine that with the death threat and such things he maybe weighed up everything and wondered what he would do.

“But I suppose because of our UEFA Cup run his mind was probably just on the football.”