Celtic play down Miller’s crossing
Martin O’Neill’s jubilation at finally landing Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson was tempered yesterday with the shock news that Miller (22) was on the verge of signing a pre-contract agreement with the English giants and was heading for Old Trafford at the end of the season.
However, a Celtic spokesman yesterday stressed that no deal had been done yet.
“We have had no conformation from Manchester United of any pre-contractual agreement.
“We made an extremely generous offer to Liam Miller, the biggest salary deal ever put on the table for a young Celtic player who has come through the ranks.
“This offer was made following detailed consideration of Liam’s contribution to the team to date during his 16 first-team starting appearances as well as eventual potential.
“It is a salary package which would make him one of the very best-paid young players in Scottish football history.”
Miller, from Ovens outside Cork city, has been compared to United skipper Roy Keane for his energetic running and goals from midfield this season.
Despite his high profile at club level, Miller still hasn’t won a senior international cap.
He was set to make his debut against Canada at Lansdowne Road last November but a hamstring injury prevented this.
However, he enjoyed much success at underage level including winning the Under-16 European Championships, along with his soon-to-be United colleague John O’Shea.
Miller would follow in the footsteps of Brian McClair, Lou Macari and Paddy Crerand in moving from Parkhead to United.
It represents another major coup for United manager Alex Ferguson, who was impressed with Miller’s mature performances since he broke into the first team at Parkhead.
The youngster has already scored five times this season, one of which was a stunning strike against Anderlecht in November, but he was left on the bench for last week’s Old Firm win over Rangers.
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