Miller's goal highlight of Celtic win

Eircom League Under-21s 1 Celtic Under-21s 3

On the evidence of this display, the 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Danish side Aarhus, may yet figure in Martin O’Neill’s first-team plans at Parkhead.

The Irish team got off to a great start when Bohemians defender Jason McGuinness rose to head home a corner from Monaghan’s John Lester.

But the Scottish Under-21 champions were level on the half-hour when Stephane Bonnes burst through the home defence before finding Tony McParland, who finished from close range.

Miller then let fly with his 32nd-minute bullet, while McParland added Celtic’s third as he raced into the box to score on 62 minutes.

As the Eircom League side tired, Celtic created several good chances but failed to add to their tally.

Despite the fact that they lost, Eircom League manager Don O’Riordan was full of praise for his lads.

“We did the league proud. Most of our players had played on Friday or Saturday night as well. Celtic said this was their toughest pre-season game,” O’Riordan said.

And he added that more such games, possibly including clashes against English, Welsh and Scottish under-21 league sides, could only benefit Irish soccer.

EIRCOM LEAGUE Under-21 XI: Murphy (Kildare Co), Rossiter (Sligo Rovs), Dillon (Longford), McGuinness (Bohemians), Oman (Bohemians), Lester (Monaghan Utd), Scully (Kildare Co), Murphy (Galway), O’Neill (Bohemians), Field (Monaghan Utd), Bonner (Finn Harps). Subs: Cretaro (Sligo Rovs) for Rossiter (54 mins), Fyffe (Limerick) for Murphy, Feeney (Sligo Rovs) for Oman, McGlynn (Derry City) for Scully, Gorman (Kildare Co) for O’Neill (all 60 mins).

CELTIC Under-21s: Herbet, van Zanten, McManus, Fotheringham, Kennedy, Doyle, McGovern, Miller, Bonnes, McParland, McBride. Subs: Franck for Fotheringham, Auer for Herbet (54 mins), Shields for McGovern, Fyfe for Bonnes (63 mins), Prunty for Doyle, Jack for Mullen (76 mins), Millar for van Zanten (81 mins).

Referee: T. Moyne (Donegal)