Source: Cork City FC

LIAM MILLER’s career has seen him play on some of football’s biggest stages and ply his trade on the other side of the world. But he’s glad to be home.

The Ovens native was unveiled by Cork City this morning having signed up with his hometown club ahead of the Airtricity League Premier Division kick-off.

And the former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder says the decision was an easy one.

“Obviously I’m a Cork lad,” he told the media. “It was pretty straight forward to be honest with you. I’ve got mates here as well and coming into the team I’m already looking forward to working hard pre-season now.

“I had a chat with John Caulfield and it was straight forward, I didn’t need too much convincing as my mind was made up as well. I wanted to come home,” he said. “Things were very smooth and very quick.”

The Evening Echo printed this picture of a young Miller with Ballincollig underage teammates last week. He’s looking forward to lining out with a few of them — fellow former international, Colin Healy, and Mark McNulty — again.

Be part

of the team Access exclusive podcasts, interviews and analysis with a monthly or annual membership. Become a Member

“I sure am,” he said of the reunion with old friends. “I’m looking forward to playing with all the lads but like I said I now Colin for years, he’s a cracking player. And it’ll be nice to line up beside him.”

After a career in the UK which saw Miller go from Celtic Park to Old Trafford to the Stadium of Light, he’s spent the last few seasons in Australia. What does he think of the current standard of the Airtricity League?

“I’ve seen a few League of Ireland games over the years and I suppose it ‘s had its ups and downs, but I feel City are in a good place to be fair. They had a great season last year and I suppose only fell short at the final hurdle.”

Source: EMPICS Sport

Manager John Caulfield says he may tie up a few more deals with local players but ‘won;t be signing any more Liam Millers’. He’s looing forward to slotting him into the Leesiders’ midfielder however.

“Liam will offer so much,” said the club legend. “From my point of view we all know the heights he’s been at. Coming back a Cork lad, knowing what we’re trying to do here. Obviously he’s always had tremendous ability, energy because he’s played at the highest level.

“Just overall his natural ability, his creativity, his runs off the ball. He’s coming into a team with real modest, solid players — which he is himself — he’s going to fit in like one of the lads and that’s what we want.

Audio courtesy of The Big Red Bench on Red FM