Chris Sutton Issues Defiant Lennon Miller Message to Celtic

Former Celtic striker turned pundit Chris Sutton has urged the Hoops to sign Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller in January.

The midfielder has made quite the impression since breaking through at Fir Park last season, establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects in Scottish Football.

Despite his age, Miller plays with a maturity beyond his years and regularly stands out for the Steelmen; he has even captained them in their last few games.

Sutton recognises the midfielder’s talent and thinks Celtic would be foolish not to sign him: “It would make sense for Celtic to make a move for Lennon Miller in January,” he said (RecordSport).

“He’s clearly a top prospect and arguably the best young player in Scotland. Of course Celtic will know all about him. They would be silly not to be keeping tabs on him.

“Miller has played more than 50 Games for Motherwell and has been a stand out in most of them. There was an impressive performance against Celtic recently in there too – and that will not have gone unnoticed by Brendan Rodgers.”

The teenager rattled the woodwork twice in the early stages of the Hoops’ 3-0 win at Fir Park a few weeks ago.

He didn’t look out of place battling in the midfield with the likes of Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo, although one question that might be raised if the Scotland youth international joined Celtic is Game time.

Indeed, there is vast comPetition in Brendan Rodgers’ midfield at the minute, with Luke McCowan, despite continually impressing when he gets opportunities, barely getting a look in over the past few Games.

Although Miller is a top prospect, Sutton recognises that he may find it difficult to get minutes given the strength in depth of Celtic’s midfield.

He said: “The issue for Miller – and Celtic – is whether he’d get in the team right now. You’ve got to say that wouldn’t be the case.

“Is Miller going to nudge any of them [Bernardo, Engels, McGregor, Hatate, McCowan] out right now? Unlikely.

“He’s definitely one for the future, though. The key for him is playing every week. That’s why I can see the merit in signing him now and loaning him out, either back at Motherwell or somewhere else.”

Regarding a fee, it was reported midweek that Motherwell won’t entertain offers of less than £4m for their star man. Even if they want more than that, Sutton has still urged his old club to make their move: “There have been various numbers banded around, and it seems £5m might be the figure,” he said.

“That might sound a lot for a development player but it’s not really. Celtic can afford it – and they could blow Rangers out of the water if they fancy a look at the youngster.”