Christmas Cracker

Calvin Miller was given the best present ever when he made his first-team debut at Paradise.

- Mark Henderson

CHRISTMAS came early for Calvin Miller when he made his first-team debut in the 1-0 win over Partick Thistle in mid-December and that allowed him further time to focus on his New Year resolution – working even harder to earn more chances for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The 18-year-old was rewarded for his impressive performances for the Development Squad by being handed a start against Thistle, playing just an hour of the match in an unfamiliar left-back role before being replaced by Emilio Izaguirre.

It was a major milestone for the talented wide-man, who has been part of the club’s youth set-up since the age of 12 and first featured for the top team in a friendly against Galatasaray during a mid-season trip to Turkey three years ago.

Miller has worked hard on and off the pitch to earn his elevation but he knows that he can’t afford to let his momentum slip should he wish to become a regular fixture in Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

And as 2017 got underway, he caught up with the View in an exclusive interview and spelled out his determination to push for more first-team opportunities in the second half of the season.

Having had some time to reflect on your achievements, how does it feel to have played for the Celtic first-team?

It’s amazing and I still can’t believe it’s actually happened. Leading up to the game, it dragged in as I was visualising things and every minute felt like an hour, but on the park it flew in and was amazing. It was one of the best days in my life.

When did you hear you were going to be involved?