‘The “few months” shout was a bit rogue to say the least, but I still want to be the best player for Scotland!’ Lennon Miller on the badly-worded ambition that backfired

When news of a call-up to the full Scotland squad reached his ears in March, Lennon Miller had designs on winning his first international cap. Instead, what ensued felt more like an international incident.

Sat in front of a table of microphones, the teenager learned a harsh early lesson in the importance of language and its use.

‘I’m obviously not going to go in and be the best player there, but I believe that I could maybe in a couple of months be the best player there,’ he told reporters at the time.

‘I think that’s how you need to think as a football player – you need to want to be the best.’

To be clear, the Motherwell man’s stated ambition was not the issue. Billy Gilmour, for one, had previously claimed that he wanted to be the best midfielder in the world and was roundly applauded for shooting for the stars.

Lennon Miller has been nominated as PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year

Miller has had a fantastic season and was rewarded with a Scotland call-up

Miller in action against St Johnstone as his side fought to an important 3-2 victory

The problem Miller created for himself was the impossible time frame he allowed himself in which to achieve his goal.

If club football is a tough school, the international environment is utterly unforgiving.

John Carver, Steve Clarke’s right-hand man, said Miller had made a ‘mistake’ and suggested he needed a little bit of guidance.

Next up, Aston Villa captain John McGinn said he felt Miller would instantly be filled with regret while acknowledging he said ‘plenty of stupid things’ when he was emerging at St Mirren.

Evidently concerned that the new boy in the camp would feel emotionally bruised at daring to put his head above the parapet, Clarke sought to draw a line under the matter prior to the game with Greece by expressing the view of most observers.

‘I think it’s wrong that he’s criticised for wanting to improve,’ said the manager. ‘He wants to be the best. What’s wrong with that?’

Guilty of nothing more than a little ‘word vomit’ – as Miller’s father Lee so succinctly put it – the 18-year-old will pause before he speaks when next thrust into that environment.

Do not, though, confuse a lingering regret over how he expressed himself with remorse over the general sentiment. Because there is none of that.

His ambition to reach the summit burns as brightly as ever. It’s just that he’s learned that you must first negotiate the foothills.

‘Listen, it’s obviously not come across like I have meant to say it,’ said Miller after being nominated for the PFA Scotland young player of the year award.

‘I believe in my ability. I want to be the best young player. I want to be the best player in Scotland.

‘But the “few months” shout was a bit rogue, to say the least! I want to try and be the best player for Scotland.

‘Listen, to have the manager’s backing was nice, But I tried to show during the week that I could back those comments up.

‘The comments were kind of correct. Obviously (I got) a few words wrong, but it is what I want to be. There are positives to it. I just need to do it in my own time.’

Miller knew what was coming the minute he realised the error of his ways.

In any dressing room, there’s an order of seniority. At international level, this is largely measured in caps won and major tournaments attended.

When a rookie suggests that he’ll be soon be wearing the crown, you’d better believe he will know all about it.

‘There were a few jokes,’ smiled Miller. ‘They all kind of understood what I was trying to say and knew it was a mistake.’

Led by the exuberant McGinn, a cast of seasoned pros let humour make their point.

‘I play with his brother (Paul), so I expected it,’ Miller reflected. ‘I heard from his brother and I knew that was coming.

‘I did my initiation song (A Team by Ed Sheeran) and after it they were like: “Aye, it was alright, but maybe in a few weeks you’ll be the best”.’

Miller has been outstanding for Motherwell this season but hasn’t required anyone to tell them there are different levels in football.

Scott McTominay spent eight seasons with Manchester United before being transferred to Napoli for £25million. On Sunday, his brace against Torino sent his side clear at the top of Serie A.

A staggering debut season in Italy might well culminate in a scudetto. Any emerging talent could scarcely wish for a better player to aspire to.

‘Napoli are going to probably win the league,’ said Miller.

‘That is where you want to be – that is what you want to do as a football player. I know I have a long way to go to become the best. I try to take bits from everyone’s game and hopefully I get there.’

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk