Lennon Miller transfer future addressed by manager as Rangers interest intensifies
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Lennon Miller continues to be monitored by Rangers over a potential move for the youngster.
The 18-year-old has shone at Motherwell and captained the Steelmen to their recent defeat to Gers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden.
He has proven himself capable of playing regularly at Scottish Premiership level and has impressed in the 18 outings he has had so far this term and the 55 in total across two years.
There is a reason Nils Koppen has sent his scouts out to Fir Park to watch the playmaker and the Ibrox club are right to be seriously interested in a kid of his talent.
But manager Stuart Kettlewell has moved to pump the breaks on any transfer exit talk for the talented teenager.
The former Ross County player and boss has made it clear he feels Miller has a serious future in the game and will go far. Whether or not that will be realised at Rangers is another question.
For Kettlewell, though, it does not need to be any time soon.
He hopes Miller will stick around for some time to develop as a first-team regular at ‘Well and reckons there is no rush for his club to sell their top asset.
A £4million price tag has been placed on Lennon Miller’s head this season and there are Premier League clubs, alongside rivals Celtic, who are keeping a close eye on the player.
Rangers are interested in £4million rated Lennon Miller
Though Kettlewell insists there has been no contact from any club as a concrete show of interest.
“None whatsoever,” he said on any potential calls fielded. “Not a single thing.
“It's not something we speak about. Contrary to all the rumours and clubs and people who have been at games watching. That may well be the case but it's not going to affect my thinking or Lennon's.
“Having his family stability behind him, the support he's got from his family and representative, I have no qualms that his mindset is going to change any time soon.”
Miller is contracted at Fir Park until 2026 and Kettlewell knows how strong a position that leaves his club in.
But he wants to protect the player as well as the club’s investment in the long-term.
"I think he should be here for the next 10-15 years! All joking aside, I'm not in control of that at all. What I am in control of is picking a fantastic young player, who has been incredibly consistent for me over the last 18 months or so.
Stuart Kettlewell on what he is ‘especially pleased with’ from Miller
"Someone who has been wearing the captain's armband and showing an incredible level of maturity. I'm in control of that aspect of it. How well he performs or how well he does will dictate what happens in the future.
"I think we're back in this country about thinking about what's coming next, what's he going to be in six months time or a year's time? My mentality is different.
“I have to make sure everything I do with Lennon is best for his future but also for this football club and the bits we can control.
"For now selecting a team and him being in it having the impact and influence he has done is about all I can control at this stage. What Lennon has done over the last week or two has shown everyone what he is as a lad.
| Lennon Miller stats |
| Played – 55 apps |
| Goals – 5 |
| Assists – 6 |
| Yellow cards – 5 |
| Red cards – 1 |
“He dips down to play for Scotland U19s, we had a conversation with them about managing his game time ahead of the three games and he probably played a few more minutes than what was agreed. But no qualms with me or Lennon, he loves playing football.
"He just shows everybody he has a burning desire to be the best he possibly can be. Shows how humble he is and that he's not getting carried away with any conversation or talk about him as a footballer. I'm especially pleased with that. I've watched the two games he played, I'm really happy with how he's ticking along. He will keep his feet on the ground."
It’s not the first time Rangers have been sent a warning over interest in Miller.
Chief executive at ‘Well, Brian Caldwell, had his say.
