WIGAN winger Shaun Maloney has made a long-awaited return to action following almost six months on the sidelines.

The Scot played 45 minutes for the Latics' development squad against Morecambe in the Final Third Development League Cup as he upped his comeback from hip surgery.

The former Aston Villa man's last appearance for the club came back in September as they lost 2-0 to Leicester.