Tribute match for Liam Miller takes place in Cork today

Many of Liam Miller’s old Manchester United team-mates are in Cork today to pay tribute to the Republic of Ireland international who passed away earlier this year aged just 36.

The popular midfielder played for a number of teams including Celtic, Manchester United, Leeds United, Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers and Cork City but he played more games for Hibs than any other team.

Signed from QPR by John Hughes, Liam played 76 games for the club, scoring seven times. He made his debut away to Hamilton Academical on 13 September 2009 and helped the team qualify for the UEFA Cup with a fourth place finish.

Organisers are encouraging fans to come early to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the tribute match and the gates open at 12.45pm with pre-match entertainment ahead of the 3pm kickoff.

A gala dinner at City Hall will start with a drinks reception at 6.45pm with an auction for concert tickets, luxury breaks, matchday experiences, and memorabilia signed by football stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, John Giles, and Rory McIlroy likely to raise a considerable amount.

Bidders can register online via galabid.com/liam or through SMS by texting “liam” followed by your full name to 086 1800308.

The online auction will conclude tonight at 10.30pm.

Sir Alex Ferguson who continues to recover from a brain haemorrhage suffered last May, expressed “considerable disappointment” he will not be in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, writing in the match programme.

“Liam Miller’s legacy as a human being was that he was totally liked by everyone for his quiet, endearing nature.

“When I went to the Celtic v Anderlecht Champions League tie in Glasgow in November 2003, it was to watch the Belgian defender Vincent Kompany, however, my attention soon gravitated to Celtic’s energetic young midfielder, slight of stature but with an assured, calm way about him.

“What I witnessed was a player with a tremendous set of midfield fundamentals — his movement off the ball, his penetration of the Anderlecht midfield. I came away smitten by his performance, not least the timing of his runs. Leaving Parkhead I was totally determined to get Liam Miller to Manchester United.”