CALVIN MILLER understands that Kieran Tierney is a hard act to follow when the best left-back in Scotland is given a rare rest and he is given a chance to play in the first team.
Miller impressed in his only other start of the season, on the first trip to Kilmarnock which Celtic won 2-0. He was also one of seven changes that Brendan Rodgers made yesterday in the faltering 0-0 draw against St Johnstone. It was a more difficult shift for Miller this time round in what was a frustrating afternoon for everyone connected to Celtic at Paradise yesterday afternoon.
Miller, who is about the same age as KT, has been converted by Brendan Rodgers from a forward to a left back. With Tierney ahead of you and an outstanding talent then the role of understudy starts to look pretty permanent.
The player spoke to the media after the game yesterday.
“It’s difficult when you have someone such as Kieran in front of you because he has done really well,” he said.
“I was playing a year above myself, so I was in the same age group as him and we went to school together.
“We have always been close, he is a good mate. I have watched what he’s done and his performances.
“I am back-up, so I just have to work hard then, hopefully, I will keep getting opportunities like this.
“If they come along then all you can do is come into the team and try to make an impact then see what happens.
“I am training with the best people in the league, so you can only become better. I am learning from KT and the rest of the lads every day.
“It was a tough game against Saints, when you are training away and then just get thrown in, it’s hard.
“My last game was months ago because you need consistency, that’s a big part of playing and especially at a club such as Celtic.
“I thought I did okay, so all I can do is keep working hard and, hopefully, I will get another chance,” Calvin added.
“I have only been playing this position for a year, so it’s still new to me and it’s tough. I am learning about it and putting hard work in.
“The manager wanted me to become a full-back, we didn’t have a left back against Manchester City, so I went there.
“I was decent on the ball, but defensively I struggled a bit because I hadn’t played it before.
“I am working on that, I have become more aggressive because you need that playing full-back or wing-back.
“It’s a new position, but I think I am getting better at both sides of the game. It is a kind of wing-back role he is asking me to play and I am enjoying it.”
Miller also revealed that he could have been a Saints player after Tommy Wright tried to sign him in the winter transfer window. That would have meant he’d have been watching yesterday rather than playing. He explained what had happened to stop the move going through.
“I was aware they wanted me at Christmas time. There is a big squad here, a lot of players, so .
“But we got a few injuries, so the gaffer told me he wanted me to stay closer to the squad.
“He just told me to work hard and that’s how I got my chance because I have been doing that.”
NEW!THE CELTIC STAR PODCAST – A CELTIC STATE OF MIND WITH SPECIAL GUEST FRANK McAVENNIE
Paul John Dykes and Kevin Graham are joined by one of the heroes of Celtic’s centenary season – Frank McAvennie.
When Frank joined Celtic from West Ham in October 1987, he was undoubtedly one of English football’s hottest properties. Billy McNeill had to splash out a club record fee to secure the flamboyant striker’s services, but there is no doubt that he repaid every penny during that glorious double-winning season.
None more so than in the 1988 Scottish Cup final when Frank scored a double as Celtic came from behind to clinch the league and cup double. He immortalised himself in Celtic’s history that day, yet he cannot be seen on the stadiums fascia, which is decorated with images of club icons.
This omission by the club is understandably something of a bugbear of Frank’s, and he is candid when discussing his disappointment at being left out by Celtic’s current incumbents. The 1980s pinup also speaks about his fallout with the Celtic board, his appearance at a criminal court following a sending-off against Rangers, and that gloriously sunny day at Hampden almost 30 years ago.
