Monday 13 November 2017 15:35, UK
Celtic and Manchester United have expressed their support for former player Liam Miller, after reports that the 36-year-old is battling pancreatic cancer.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is reportedly receiving treatment in the United States, where he last played for semi-professional side Wilmington Hammerheads.
Celtic wrote on their official Twitter account: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Liam Miller and his family at this time."
Miller made his professional debut for the Hoops in 2000 after coming through the youth ranks at Parkhead and helped them win the Scottish Premiership title in 2004.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Ireland's World Cup play-off second-leg clash with Denmark, former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill said: "I gave Liam his debut at Celtic. He played wonderfully well in a Champions League game one evening, he was absolutely outstanding.
"The news - we heard about it just recently, we didn't know how bad it was - and obviously all thoughts go out to him and his family. I think he's got three children as well. He's a very young man, 36 years of age. It puts things in perspective."
Miller moved from Glasgow to Manchester United on a free transfer, making 22 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson in two seasons - which included a spell on loan at Leeds - before moving on to Sunderland in 2006.
Miller was part of the Black Cats squad that won promotion to the Premier League in 2007 before he joined QPR two years later.
A short spell at Loftus Road was followed by stints at Hibernian, Australian clubs Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City, home-town club Cork City and, most recently, Wilmington.
Many of his former clubs and colleagues have publicly expressed their support for Miller through social media.
John Hartson, who played alongside Miller at Celtic, tweeted: "My thoughts are with Liam Miller and his family this morning. Hope he can get through this difficult time of his life."
Miller won 21 caps for the Republic between 2004 and 2009, and current Ireland international David Meyler said the squad are thinking about their compatriot as they prepare for the second leg of their World Cup European Qualifier play-off.
"Obviously we heard the news, we're unsure about the details, but our thoughts go out to his family and we're just thinking about him and we just hope he can pull through and he's strong," said Meyler.
