 Butcher is backing Miller to be a success |
Sir Alex Ferguson should have been wearing a Dick Turpin mask when he signed Celtic's Liam Miller - because he has got a real steal in this young boy.
Miller may not be a well-known name down south, but he is a real talent who was establishing himself as a big favourite at Celtic.
He is what I would call an "identikit" Manchester United player and I think he has every chance of making a serious impact at Old Trafford.
Miller is a central midfield player, but he can also play wide on the right. He's got a great engine, gets up and down the pitch, and is strong in the tackle.
He is also a tough competitor, not particularly big, but stocky and strong and more than ready for a battle in midfield.
Celtic and their fans will be raging about the deal because he was very popular, scored goals in the Champions League, and performed very well in the league.
I suppose some would ask why, if he is as good as this, has he not played more games for Celtic this season?
Fair question - but one that has a perfectly good answer.
When Celtic boss Martin O'Neil has Chris Sutton, Henrik Larsson and John Hartson available he plays all three, with Sutton in a withdrawn midfield role.
He has also got Neil Lennon and Stilian Petrov, while Paul Lambert is an experienced international.
Throw in Alan Thompson on the left and Didier Agathe on the right and Miller's position becomes more understandable.
 |  Liam Miller has burning desire, inner strength and huge belief - he's a steal |
It is hard for young players to break through into the Old Firm because of the demands for success placed upon them.
When he has played he has proved he can cut it at the highest level in the Champions League. He's got goals and has got all the right pedigree.
Celtic will be desperately disappointed because he is one of their best young players who has come through their own ranks and is a regular international of the future with the Republic of Ireland.
It is a major blow for Celtic to lose someone of this calibre to Manchester United and get nothing in return. They have not had many through the ranks recently, so that will make it even more painful.
Miller certainly fits the bill as a Manchester United player. If you look at someone like Paul Scholes, who makes runs from midfield to score goals, he is that type, although obviously nowhere near that quality yet.
 Millers follows fellow Irishmen John O'Shea and Roy Keane |
He will also do his defensive work, and will give 100% wherever he plays.
Miller has got skill, an eye for goal and gets into the box. You couldn't get a more honest player.
When he has played for Celtic he has shown tremendous appetite and application and has a burning desire to do well.
If you look at the Irish players who have come to Old Trafford, such as Roy Keane, Paul McGrath and John O'Shea, they all have a burning desire, inner strength and huge belief - Miller certainly has that,
As I said, it's an absolute steal by Sir Alex Ferguson and I think he will be a big success when he gets his chance.
MMIX
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