Miller: a Bhoy no more

CELTIC insisted last night that Liam Miller has turned his back on a deal which would make him one of the best-paid young players in Scottish football history to go to Manchester United.

The Glasgow giants were reeling after indications the out-of-contract Cork man has agreed pre-contract terms with United, tempering Martin O'Neill's jubilation at finally landing exciting Scottish prospect Stephen Pearson from Motherwell.

The Celtic manager expects the signing of midfielder Pearson to go through today after agreeing a £350,000 fee with Motherwell - but the smile soon vanished as it emerged that Miller had decided against a new contract offer and was heading for Old Trafford at the end of the season.