Former ROI player Liam Miller loses cancer battle
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller has died aged 36, his first club Celtic have announced.
Last updated 10th Feb 2018
Miller, who also counts Manchester United, Leeds and Sunderland among his former sides, had been suffering from cancer.
Reports emerged in November that Miller had been battling pancreatic cancer and was receiving treatment in the United States, where he played for Wilmington Hammerheads.
Wilmington, who Miller played for in 2016, were the last of 12 clubs that the Cork-born midfielder represented during a 16-year career that took him around the world.
He made his professional debut for Celtic in 2000 after coming through the youth ranks at Parkhead and helped them win the Scottish Premier League title in 2004.
He then moved south to Manchester United on a free transfer, making 22 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson in two seasons - which included a spell on loan at Leeds - before joining Sunderland in 2006.
Miller was part of the Black Cats' squad that won promotion to the Premier League in 2007 but he was on the move again in 2009, this time to QPR.
A short spell at Loftus Road was followed by stints at Hibernian, Australian clubs Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City, home-town club Cork City and, most recently, Wilmington.
Miller won 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland after making his debut in 2004.
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has described Liam Miller as a fantastic man''.
O'Neill gave Miller his Celtic debut, setting him up for a career that took in the likes of Manchester United, Leeds and Sunderland.
I remember the impact that Liam had in a big Champions League match against Lyon. We were pressing strongly and trying to find the breakthrough when Liam scored a magical goal that gave us momentum to win the game,'' said O'Neill.
At the end of that season, Liam moved on to Manchester United but had already made a strong mark at Celtic Park and the players were extremely disappointed to see him go.
Liam's passing is very sad and he will be greatly missed. He was an excellent footballer and a fantastic man.'
Celtic, whose players will wear black armbands in Miller's memory during their William Hill Scottish Cup match against Partick Thistle on Saturday, tweeted: Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former midfielder Liam Miller. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. RIP Liam, YNWA.''
In 2004 Miller joined United for a two-year spell and the Old Trafford club expressed their sympathy on Saturday morning. A tweet read: Manchester United is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of our former midfielder Liam Miller. We extend our condolences to his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.''
Leeds wrote: Everyone at Leeds United are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former #LUFC midfielder Liam Miller. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.''
Leeds also added a video of Miller scoring the winner in a dramatic 4-3 victory over Southampton in 2005.
Sunderland did likewise, tweeting both their condolences and also a clip of Miller in action in a 2007 match against Derby, where he scored another late winner.
The Championship club wrote: We are saddened to hear this evening that former #SAFC midfielder Liam Miller has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.'