Calvin Miller Explained

Calvin Miller
Birth Date:9 January 1998
Birth Place:Glasgow, Scotland
Height:182cm
Position:Full-back/Winger
Currentclub:Falkirk
Clubnumber:29
Youthyears1:2010–2018
Youthclubs1:Celtic
Years1:2016–2020
Clubs1:Celtic
Caps1:4
Goals1:0
Years2:2018
Clubs2:Dundee (loan)
Caps2:16
Goals2:1
Years3:2019
Clubs3:Ayr United (loan)
Caps3:13
Goals3:1
Years4:2020–2021
Clubs4:Harrogate Town
Caps4:10
Goals4:1
Years5:2021
Clubs5:Notts County (loan)
Caps5:17
Goals5:0
Years6:2021–2022
Clubs6:Chesterfield
Caps6:40
Goals6:1
Years7:2023
Clubs7:Greenock Morton
Caps7:15
Goals7:1
Years8:2023–
Clubs8:Falkirk
Caps8:33
Goals8:10
Club-Update:17:00, 10 August 2024 (UTC)
Nationalyears1:2012
Nationalteam1:Scotland U15
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2012–2013
Nationalteam2:Scotland U16
Nationalcaps2:12
Nationalgoals2:2
Nationalyears3:2013–2015
Nationalteam3:Scotland U17
Nationalcaps3:13
Nationalgoals3:1
Nationalyears4:2018
Nationalteam4:Scotland U20
Nationalcaps4:1
Nationalgoals4:0
Nationalyears5:2019
Nationalteam5:Scotland U21
Nationalcaps5:1
Nationalgoals5:0
Nationalteam-Update:00:31, 23 March 2019 (UTC)

Calvin Miller (born 9 January 1998) is a Scottish footballer who can play as a left-back or winger for club Falkirk. Miller has previously played for Celtic, Dundee, Ayr United, Harrogate Town, Notts County, Chesterfield and Greenock Morton.

Club career

Celtic

Having attended training sessions at Rangers,[1] Miller signed for Celtic in 2010, aged 12.[2]

In addition to domestic tournaments (he was in the squad which won the Scottish Youth Cup in 2015,[3] and started and scored in the competition's 2017 final),[4] [5] Miller featured in several international youth tournaments during his Celtic youth career such as the NextGen Series and the UEFA Youth League.[6] [7] In May 2016 he was named in a matchday squad for the first time and also signed a new contract running until 2019.[2] Earlier that year he had been marked by the Scottish press as one of the 'three to watch' from the youth team.[8]

Miller made his league and competitive debut against Partick Thistle on 20 December 2016.[9] He received praise for his performance in the match, which Celtic won.[10] It was at this point that his manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that Miller, who had previously been considered a winger or forward in his youth career with the club, was retraining in a more defensive position. Rodgers also expressed his hope that Miller could flourish in his new role in a similar manner to his previous trainee Ryan Bertrand.[11]

He did not feature for the senior team again until 8 August 2017, when he played the full 90 minutes in a 5–0 win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup, with regular left-back Kieran Tierney filling in as a central defender.[12]

Miller started at left-back on 19 August 2017 in the Scottish Premiership, again against Kilmarnock, and was given man of the match by Sky Sports.[13] His side won 2–0 with goals from James Forrest and Callum McGregor.[14] He was selected in further home fixtures against St Johnstone in February 2018[15] and Kilmarnock again in May, being replaced in the second half by Tierney in both matches, which ended in 0–0 draws after Celtic made several other changes which appeared to affect their rhythm as a unit.[16]

Miller signed a new contract with Celtic in August 2018, tying him to the club until summer 2020 with the possibility of extension. Speaking on his future, he stated that his short-term aim was to secure a loan move to gain further experience.[17]

Dundee loan

On 31 August 2018, Miller moved to fellow Premiership club Dundee on loan.[18] [19] He made his debut from the bench on 1 September in a 3–1 home defeat to Motherwell.[20] On 23 October, he missed an opportunity to score his first senior goal when he sent a penalty kick wide of the post in an eventual 3–0 defeat to Heart of Midlothian.[21] On 18 December he did score, netting Dundee's consolation goal in a 5–1 loss away to Aberdeen.[22] His loan, intended originally to be for the full season, was curtailed at the end of December 2018.[23]

Ayr United loan

On 31 January 2019, Miller joined Scottish Championship club Ayr United on loan until the end of the 2018–19 season.[24]

Return, injury and release

Having returned to Celtic in summer 2019 Miller spoke of his hope of being in the plans of Neil Lennon, Celtic's new manager who had used Miller in friendly matches in his previous spell in charge of the club.[25] However, when Kieran Tierney was sold in August 2019, Miller was overlooked at left back for a UEFA Champions League qualifier against CFR Cluj, the position instead being taken by midfielder Callum McGregor – who put in an uncertain performance as Celtic lost at home and were eliminated from the competition.[26] [27] Miller then turned down a move to Kilmarnock as part of a deal to bring Greg Taylor (also a left back) to Celtic, a signing which, along with improvement in the form of Boli Bolingoli, another new signing in the same position, further diminished the chances of Miller being selected.[28] The slight prospect then disappeared entirely after Miller was injured in a reserve match on 17 September, requiring surgery the following week which would rule him out until the end of the season (and the end of his Celtic contract) with no opportunity to impress the manager within the club or out on loan.[28] [29] His departure was confirmed in May 2020.[30]

Harrogate Town

English club Harrogate Town signed Miller on 3 October 2020.[31]

Notts County loan

On 11 January 2021, Miller joined National League side Notts County on loan for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.[32]

Chesterfield

On 25 June 2021, Miller agreed to return to the National League to join Chesterfield upon the expiration of his contract with Harrogate.[33] On 13 October 2022, Miller had his contract terminated by mutual consent.[34]

Greenock Morton

On 2 January 2023, Miller signed with Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton until the end of the season.[35] He scored his first and only goal for the club in a 2-2 draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle,[36] before leaving in June 2023.

Falkirk

After leaving Morton, Miller signed for Scottish League One club Falkirk.[37] In March 2024, Miller won the League One title with the Bairns on the same night they defeated Montrose 7–1 at Links Park.[38] Miller would be named to the PFA Scottish League One Team of the Year in April 2024.[39]

On 2 August 2024, Miller scored in Falkirk's first game back in the Scottish Championship in a win over Queen's Park.[40]

International career

Miller was selected for Scotland at various youth levels.[41] He made his debut for the under-21 team in March 2019.[42]

Personal life

Miller was born in Glasgow and grew up in the city's Castlemilk district.[2] He is the father of one daughter, Olivia, born in 2015.[43]

Career statistics

[44]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague CupEuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Celtic2016–17Scottish Premiership100000000010
2017–18Scottish Premiership300010000040
2018–19Scottish Premiership000000000000
2019–20Scottish Premiership000000000000
Total400010000050
Celtic Under-20s2016–17SPFL Development League3030
2019–20SPFL Development League2020
Dundee (loan)2018–19Scottish Premiership16100000000161
Ayr United (loan)2018–19Scottish Championship13100000010141
Harrogate Town2020–21League Two1012100001[45] 0132
Notts County (loan)2020–21National League1900000004[46] 0230
Chesterfield2021–22National League
Greenock Morton2022–23Scottish Championship
Falkirk2023–24Scottish League One
2024–25Scottish Championship
Career total623211000110764

Honours

Falkirk

Notes and References

  1. Web site: When Celtic's Calvin Miller was named best young player in the world. Celtic Quick News. 4 September 2017. 14 August 2019.
  2. Web site: Calvin Miller signs new three-year deal . Celtic FC. 24 May 2016. 21 December 2016.
  3. News: Nesbitt the hat-trick hero as emphatic Celtic claim the Little Big Shot Youth Cup. Youth Football Scotland. 21 May 2015. 19 August 2017. Alasdair. Hooper. 11 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190711210308/http://www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk/gots/item/17808-nesbitt-the-hat-trick-hero-as-emphatic-celtic-claim-the-little-big-shot-youth-cup.html. dead.
  4. News: Scottish Youth Cup final: Celtic 3-0 Rangers . BBC Sport. 26 April 2017 . 27 April 2017 . Chick . Young.
  5. News: Celtic 3 Rangers 0: Young Hoops claim Scottish Youth Cup glory. Herald & Times Group. The Herald. 26 April 2017. 19 August 2017. Alison . McConnell.
  6. Web site: SPFL Hot Prospects: Celtic. 11 August 2017. 15 August 2019. Youth Football Scotland. David. Walton. 15 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190815112914/http://www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk/component/k2/item/19716-spfl-hot-prospects-celtic.html. dead.
  7. Web site: Calvin Miller player profile - 2016/17 UEFA Youth League . UEFA . 8 August 2017 . 27 May 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170527182344/http://www.uefa.com/uefayouthleague/season=2017/clubs/player=250065189/index.html . dead .
  8. News: Three to watch: Celtic academy kids hoping to make big breakthrough . Media Scotland. Kevin . McAllion . Daily Record. 9 February 2016. 21 December 2016.
  9. News: Richard . Wilson. Celtic 1-0 Partick Thistle: Scott Sinclair strike edges brave visitors. BBC Sport. 20 December 2016. 14 August 2019.
  10. News: Gavin . Berry. Brendan Rodgers hails Celtic debut boy Calvin Miller and compares him to Ryan Bertrand. MGN. Irish Mirror Online. 21 December 2016. 14 August 2019.
  11. Web site: Celtic boss compares Calvin Miller to England international. STV Sport. 21 December 2016. Laura. Brannan. 21 December 2016. 11 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190711210304/https://stv.tv/sport/football/1376292-celtic-boss-compares-calvin-miller-to-england-international/. dead.
  12. News: Kenny . Crawford. Celtic 5–0 Kilmarnock . BBC Sport. 8 August 2017 . 8 August 2017.
  13. News: Sunderland transfer gossip: Celtic defender compared to Ryan Bertrand linked with loan move . ChronicleLive. Craig. John. Reach . 19 June 2018.
  14. News: Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic. Sky Sports. 19 August 2017. 25 September 2017. PA Sport.
  15. News: Celtic 0–0 St Johnstone. BBC Sport. Andy . Campbell . 18 February 2018. 10 May 2018.
  16. News: Celtic 0–0 Kilmarnock . BBC Sport. 9 May 2018. 10 May 2018. Martin . Dowden.
  17. News: Delight as Calvin Miller signs new deal with Celtic. Mark . Henderson . Celtic FC . 21 August 2018. 27 August 2018.
  18. News: Dundee announce deadline day signing of Celtic left back Calvin Miller. Evening Telegraph. 31 August 2018. 31 August 2018. DC Thomson Media. Scott. Lorimer. 31 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180831144531/https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/dundee-announce-deadline-day-signing-of-celtic-left-back-calvin-miller/. dead.
  19. Web site: Calvin joins. Dundee FC. 31 August 2018 . 31 August 2018.
  20. News: Chris . McLaughlin . Dundee 1-3 Motherwell: Neil McCann's men remain pointless as Well claim first win . BBC Sport. 1 September 2018. 8 September 2018.
  21. News: Dundee 3-0 Hearts: League leaders extend advantage on Jim McIntyre's bow. Sky Sports . 23 October 2018 . 31 December 2018.
  22. News: Aberdeen 5 Dundee 1: Dark Blues return to bottom of table after poor performance at Pittodrie . The Courier. DC Thomson Media. Ian . Roache . 18 December 2018 . 31 December 2018.
  23. News: Dundee: Andy Boyle, Calvin Miller & Adil Nabi leave Dens Park . BBC Sport. 30 December 2018 . 31 December 2018.
  24. News: Scott . Mullen. Celtic sign Jeremy Toljan from Borussia Dortmund on loan. BBC Sport . 31 January 2019. 31 January 2019.
  25. News: Calvin Miller eager for another chance at Celtic under Neil Lennon. The Times. 4 June 2019. Alison. McConnell. Times Newspapers. 1 June 2022.
  26. News: Celtic 3 Cluj 4: Five talking points as Celtic crash out of Champions League. Evening Times. 13 August 2019. Graeme. McGarry. Newsquest Media Group. 1 June 2022.
  27. Web site: Cluj snub is the final straw for Calvin Miller at Celtic. HITC. 14 August 2019. Danny. Owen. GRV Media. 1 June 2022.
  28. News: Celtic's Calvin Miller ruled out for rest of season after op and may have played final Hoops game. Evening Times. 27 September 2019. Mark. Hendry. Newsquest Media Group. 1 June 2022.
  29. News: Calvin Miller dealt fresh Celtic blow as outcast defender shares post-op selfie. Daily Record. 26 September 2019. Gabriel. McKay. Reach Scotland. 1 June 2022.
  30. News: Celtic starlet Calvin Miller says emotional farewell to Hoops as he announces his departure . Herald & Times Group . Glasgow Times . 27 May 2020. Alan. Temple. 30 May 2020.
  31. News: Calvin Miller: Harrogate Town sign versatile former Celtic player . BBC Sport. 3 October 2020 . 25 October 2020.
  32. Web site: Two join on loan. 1 June 2022. Notts County FC . 11 January 2021.
  33. Web site: Winger Miller agrees contract. Chesterfield FC. 25 June 2021. 10 July 2021.
  34. Web site: Miller's departure announced. chesterfield-fc.co.uk. 13 October 2022. 14 October 2022.
  35. Web site: 2023-01-02 . Calvin Miller signs for the Ton . 2023-01-02 . Greenock Morton FC . en-GB.
  36. News: Inverness CT come back twice to draw with Morton . en-GB . BBC Sport . 2023-06-15.
  37. Web site: CALVIN MILLER JOINS THE BAIRNS! . Falkirk FC . falkirkfc.co.uk . 15 June 2023 . 15 June 2023.
  38. News: Falkirk crowned champions prior to rampant victory . 2024-03-31 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  39. Web site: Kearney . Ben . 19 April 2024 . Falkirk dominate PFA Scotland League One team of the year as TEN stars selected . 21 April 2024 . falkirkherald.co.uk.
  40. Web site: Winning start for Falkirk SPFL . 2024-08-02 . spfl.co.uk.
  41. Web site: Calvin Miller . Scottish Football Association. 22 December 2016.
  42. News: Scotland U21s 0 Mexico U22s 0 as Mikey Johnston misses last-gasp penalty - 3 talking points. Daily Record. 22 March 2019. Reach Scotland. 23 March 2019. Tony . Haggerty.
  43. Web site: Doting dad Calvin Miller on how young family is driving him on to star for Celtic & Scotland. Alan . Temple. 8 November 2017. Capital City Press. 15 August 2019. Deadline News.
  44. Web site: C. Miller. Soccerway. 19 August 2017.
  45. Appearance(s) in the EFL Trophy
  46. Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy