O'Neill calls for Miller truce

CELTIC manager Martin O'Neill has called for a truce among supporters wishing to vent their anger at Manchester United-bound midfielder Liam Miller during this weekend's Bank of Scotland Premier League game with Hearts at Parkhead.

The 23-year-old stunned Hoops' fans when he signed a pre-contract agreement with the Barclaycard Premiership champions in January and had been missing ever since with a groin injury.

Miller received a mixed reaction from Celtic fans when he went on as a substitute during the UEFA Cup fourth round, second leg in the Nou Camp, although his display suggested he was committed to the Hoops for the remainder of his stay at Parkhead.

Similarly, after arriving as a substitute at Rangers on Sunday, Miller was equally convincing in his performance.

After proving his fitness in both games, the Republic of Ireland international is poised to play in his first game at Parkhead since agreeing to join United.

O'Neill has called for an end to any hostility towards Miller as he heads towards a third Premier League title in four years.

He told the club's official website, www.celticfc.net: "Contrary to a lot of speculation that Liam would never play for us again, we have actually had to rush him back a bit. But he's now ready, willing and anxious to play.

"I know there will still be fans out there who will feel pretty annoyed that he's leaving this club to go elsewhere and, obviously, I, myself, am disappointed by it all.

"I still believe that the best thing from Liam's own point of view would have been for him to stay here for at least the next 18 months.

"That said, he still wants to play here for the remainder of this season at least and my own view would be that, when he steps out on to the field here in front of his own supporters people might as well stick with him.

"I think the time has come for us all to get over our disappointment and just get on with it, especially with the feel-good atmosphere around the place at the moment.

"We're in great fettle, the boys are feeling terrific and we've a healthy lead in the championship.

"I think it would be great if we could avoid anything too hostile. It would certainly be better for the team if everyone stuck with Liam."