Strachan refutes Miller claims

Celtic boss responds to striker's Lawwell criticism

By Mark Buckingham   Last updated: 3rd September 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Strachan refutes Miller claims

MIller: Critical of Lawwell

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Gordon Strachan has brushed off Kenny Miller's claims that the striker was forced out of Celtic.

Miller left the Scottish champions before the close of the transfer window to join Premier League strugglers Derby County in a £3million deal.

The Scotland international claimed Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell pushed him out of Parkhead by suggesting, among other complaints, he would not be involved in UEFA Champions League matches.

But, speaking after The Bhoys' 5-1 thrashing of St Mirren on Sunday, Strachan has rejected Miller's accusations.

Magnificent

"First of all, you cannot force anyone out of the door," said the Celtic boss.

"I will give you an example. Bobo Balde had the chance to go to Fulham or Sunderland and he turned it down.

"So you cannot force anyone out the door and everybody knows that.

"I think he (Peter) is magnificent in what he does and he has been a great friend of mine and always will be.

"We get on extremely well, as well as I've worked with anybody."