Messages of support have poured in for former Hibs player Liam Miller who has cancer.
The 36-year-old Irishman has been having chemotherapy treatment in the USA but is reportedly returning to his home country today.
Miller, who won 21 caps for Republic of Ireland between 2004 and 2009, started his career at Celtic before joining Manchester United, Leeds then Sunderland.
John Hughes signed Miller on a two year deal from Queens Park Rangers and his skilful play made him a firm favourite with Hibs’ supporters. He made his debut against Hamilton in September 2009 and played 76 times for the club, scoring seven goals.
His performance earned him the SPL Player of the Month award for October 2009.
Miller also played for three clubs from Australia – Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City – before returning to his native Cork City.
He also played for semi-professional American team Wilmington Hammerheads in North Carolina last year.
Of all the teams he played for, Miller made most appearances for Hibs.
News of Miller’s condition has been met with messages of support.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup play-off second leg against Denmark in Dublin, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill said: “We heard about it recently, we didn’t know how bad it was, obviously all thoughts go out to him.
“It puts things in perspective anyway.”
O’Neill gave the Miller his debut at Celtic and he later played under Republic assistant manager Roy Keane at Sunderland.
Hibernian FC wrote on their official Twitter account: ” “The thoughts of everyone at Hibernian are with former player Liam Miller and his family at this difficult time.”
Celtic tweeted: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Liam Miller and his family at this time.”
And Manchester United tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United go out to Liam Miller and his loved ones at this difficult time.”
Former Celtic and Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov, who recovered from acute leukaemia tweeted: “I’m saddened to hear the news about my old team-mate Liam Miller. Be strong buddy and remember a few of us have beaten it. YOU WILL too my friend. I’m thinking about you.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
