Former Hibs’ midfielder Liam Miller has died from cancer at the age of 36.
The popular Irishman started his career at Celtic in 2000 before moving to Manchester United four years later.
He also playing for Leeds, Sunderland and QPR before John Hughes brought him to Easter Road where he quickly became a fans’ favourite with some skilful performances.
He won 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland between 2004 and 2009.
He ended his career in the United States in 2016, having also played for three clubs in Australia and his hometown club Cork City before retiring.
A number of team-mates, fans and clubs took to social media to express their sorrow.
Hibs tweeted “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of former Hibernian player Liam Miller. Our thought are with his family and friends at this time.”
Tam McManus, who played with Miller at Hibs, tweeted: “I’m afraid it is true that Liam Miller has sadly passed away today. Thoughts are with all his family and friends at this horrendous time. So sad.”
McManus added that “the esteem Miller was held in by supporters of every club he either played for or against” showed through in the tributes paid to him on Friday.
He himself described Miller as “a wonderfully talented player but more importantly a lovely, humble person who never changed despite the wealth and success”.
Celtic said they were “deeply saddened”, adding that their “thoughts are with his family and friends”.
Stiliyan Petrov, who played with Miller at Celtic, said he was “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and old team-mate Liam Miller”.
Petrov, 38 and now retired, returned to football in 2016 having recovered from acute leukaemia, four years after being diagnosed with the disease.
He added: “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP my friend.”
Chris Sutton, who also played with Miller at Celtic, tweeted: “Terribly sad news about Liam Miller. Taken too young. Thoughts go out to his family.”
Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham said “Our thoughts are with Liam’s family. Rest In Peace.”
Manchester United said the club were “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death” of Miller and they extended their “condolences to his loved ones at this extremely difficult time”.
The Edinburgh Reporter also send our condolences to Liam’s friends and family.
Liam played 76 times for Hibs, scoring 7 goals.
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.
