Calvin Miller’s hopes could fall on deaf ears at Celtic

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Returning Celtic youngster Calvin Miller has opened up on his hopes of regular first-team football at Parkhead.

It’s fair to say Calvin had just as successful a loan spell as you could’ve hoped he would at Ayr United. He played down both flanks as well as up front on occasion too. Under Ian McCall, Miller managed to make 13 appearances and eight starts during his six-month loan spell with the Honest Men.

He managed to make the Championship playoffs with McCall’s men too. In the end, however, they were knocked out by Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the playoff quarter-finals.

As many of us will have seen by now, however, Miller has big hopes upon returning to Parkhead. He told The Herald that he wants to impress Neil Lennon this summer. He also admitted that he’ll play anywhere for Celtic so long as he gets game-time.

Brendan Rodgers certainly had a close eye on him too. He effectively tried to transform him into a left-back, but whilst Miller looked promising going forward, he didn’t look too assured defensively.

McCall, on the other hand, seemed to use him as a utility man, and had Miller operating all around the place.

Versatility is promising, but is a Parkhead place realistic?

Miller’s versatility has always been impressive. He was more of an attacker during his youth days at Parkhead, but has proven to be useful in a number of other positions.

But Miller’s big challenge here is that Celtic will be looking to strengthen this summer. Miller was already down the pecking order as it is, and further signings this summer won’t help his chances.

That doesn’t mean his time at Parkhead should be up. At 21, he needs to be playing week-in, week-out however. He had a taste of that at Ayr, but could do with testing his skills against fellow Premiership opposition.

It would give both Miller and Celtic a better chance to see where he truly is in his development. The academy graduate has made five appearances for the Hoops, but he still has a job on his hands to impress Lennon.

The best way to do that would be to stay out and continue his development at first-team level. But can we truly see Miller breaking into the Celtic side next season? It looks optimistic.