EXPECTING THE MAX FROM MILLER

Last updated : 30 May 2004 By editor

Interviwed before Scotland's match this week Darren Fletcher made all the right noises to suit his Caledonian audience.

"I've heard a lot about Liam Miller from John O'Shea, who rates him highly," said Fletcher. "I've seen a few Champions League games on telly and he did very well. I know that everyone up here has been raving about him and if the manager thinks he is good enough quality for Manchester United then I'm sure he'll come down and prove a success.

"People are talking of him as Roy Keane's successor but that's a lot of pressure to put on someone so young. Roy is the fans' legend, the fans' idol. I think that Liam will be a good player for United. Who knows? Maybe one day he and I will be the centre of midfield."

Ireland captain and Birmingham defender Kenny Cunningham gets all hot a bothered too:

"Liam gets me excited. He is an excellent player and a very unassuming character, but someone who is very talented. You only have to spend a small amount of time on the training pitch to realise that. He is comfortable when he is in possession and is technically very good. He has a good temperament. He'll be a big hit in the Premiership."

Senior ligger Frank Stapleton warns Miller that he may have to wait for his chance though:

"Liam has got a bright future, but he won't start in United's first team next season, I firmly believe Alex Ferguson will see him as a long-term signing."