Motherwell's Lennon Miller MUST interest Celtic this summer

It was also nearly lost in the ether after the champions rousing comeback from 1-0 down at Fir Park to win 3-1 against Motherwell a fortnight ago. At the full-time whistle in Lanarkshire, Rodgers made a beeline to one player in particular in claret and amber - Lennon Miller. The two warmly embraced and shook hands as they exchanged words. Miller revealed afterwards what Rodgers had said to him: "Well done and good luck for the season. It’s nice to get recognition from the people who have had such a good career in the game."

It was more than a throwaway line. Like it or not Rodgers was saying more... much more than that. From here on in Miller became a person of interest to Celtic. A genuine person of interest. Rodgers knows it which is why he is probably keeping tabs on Miller in every game that he plays. If Rodgers and Celtic aren't then they bloody well should be.

The Northern Irishman, the Celtic team and every supporter inside Fir Park were treated to a ringside seat as the young Motherwell talent oozed class. It was Miller's moment of outrageous skill that set up teammate Blair Spittal for the opening goal in Lanarkshire that would have grabbed the headlines had Adam Idah not stolen his thunder. The cute drag-back and dummy which Celtic captain Callum McGregor and Matt O'Riley both bought and left the green and white duo paying to get back into the contest was worth the admission money alone.

It was worthy of Miller's boyhood football idols Iniesta, Xavi and Kevin de Bryune, whom he revealed he admired so much growing up.

READ MORE: What Rodgers told Miller after Motherwell vs Celtic display

Miller said: “I liked watching de Bruyne when I was younger it was Iniesta and Xavis. Possession-based midfielders. It’s what I enjoy, getting on the ball and showing what I can do. I felt like I did ok against Celtic but it was gutting not to get the three points."

He might not have won points but he won plaudits and admirers. Plenty of them. Rodgers for one. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was another who took to social media site X to say: "Motherwell’s Lennon Miller looks a player…"

Ex-Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew also got in on the act when he mentioned the player on Sky Sports: “You see the effect he has on the game today. He’s like a man the way he plays. He is so clever.

"We see him asking for the keeper to take the goal kick up and flick it on like his dad used to do. What a player. Level-headed boy. Comes from a good family as well. If I were Celtic I would sign him now and have him in the team. What a player he is.”

Rodgers, Sutton and Mulgrew are not wrong.

At 17, Miller is the son of former Aberdeen star Lee Miller. He is also a product of Motherwell’s Youth Academy. The English Premier League vultures are already circling with top-flight clubs Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and West Ham all reputedly showing an interest in the player contracted to the Steelmen until 2026. They are already talking about the player moving in the summer for a staggering fee of £2 million plus.

That's because Miller already looks like he is shaping up to be one of Scottish football's hottest properties and rare gems. He plays with a maturity and talent that belies his teenage years It's exactly why Celtic should be all over this. Miller is a person of interest. Rodgers was mightily impressed by what he saw at Fir Park but last weekend's outing against Rangers was par excellence as he showed Rangers midfield pair John Lundstrum and Nicolas Raskin who was boss.

READ MORE: Celtic & Rangers urged to sign Motherwell ace Lennon Miller

It's no exaggeration to say there is something of the wonderkid about the young Scot who has also represented his country at all U16, U17 and U19 levels. He made his debut for Scotland U16s when he was only 14 against England during which he scored a glorious strike from the halfway line which was awarded the Goal of the Year in Scottish international football across all levels.

Miller has featured 28 times for Motherwell - 23 of them in this campaign alone. In 1,737 minutes of football, he has contributed one goal and two assists. Those figures will rise significantly soon enough. The doubters will scoff and raise their eyes towards the heavens and scream £2 million for a teenager? Nobody needs to remind the Celtic manager of the club's poor recruitment record of late and the money thrown down the drain on projects and players who will simply not cut it.

There is also a conveyor belt of talent young Scottish talent which has slipped through Celtic's fingers in recent years when some more due diligence and care as well as less snobbery concerning the market right under their noses could well have seen the likes of John McGinn, Aaron Hickey, Josh Doig, Lewis Ferguson, Kevin Nisbet and Ryan Porteous plying their trade at Parkhead. All are thriving elsewhere in decent leagues such as the EPL, Serie A, and EFL Championship. Make of that what you will.

Matt O'Riley and Reo Hatate won't be sticking around Celtic Park forever. If Odin Thiago Holm is part of the succession planning when that particular midfield duo abdicate their Parkhead thrones then Miller's name should be pencilled in alongside the Norwegian. Remember that even captain Callum McGregor will hang up his boots one day.

For £2 million can Celtic afford not to ask the question of Motherwell and Miller this summer? The Celtic midfielder succession planning starts now. If Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and West Ham get involved then it's game over as they will all blow Celtic out of the water in terms of the financial package they can offer.

That is why this summer will be the optimum time for a club like Celtic and Rodgers to make their sales pitch. You could call it Miller Time.