Poignant messages of support for ex-Celt Miller as he battles disease
From Back Page has returned to his home city of Cork, had been undergoing chemotherapy in the United States after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
And former Celtic team-mate Petrov – who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012 but has since been given the all-clear – drew on his personal experience in a touching message of support.
On Twitter, Petrov said: “I’m saddened to hear the news about my old team-mate Liam Miller.
“Be strong buddy and remember a few of us have beaten it – YOU WILL too my friend. I’m thinking about you. God bless.”
John Hartson, who played alongside Miller and Petrov in Celtic’s 2004 league-winning team, overcame testicular cancer that had spread to his brain and lungs in 2009.
Yesterday he added his support, tweeting: “My thoughts are with Liam Miller and his family this morning. Hope he can get through this difficult time of his life.”
Their former manager Martin O’Neill took time out from his preparations for tonight’s Republic of Ireland World Cup qualifying play-off second leg against Denmark to rally behind Miller.
O’Neill said: “The news we heard just recently, we did not know how bad it was.
“All thoughts go out to him and his family – and he’s got three children as well. He’s a
He would still be going after everyone else was struggling for oxygen JOHN HUGHES
very young man, 36 years of age. It puts things in perspective, does it not?”
Celtic also released a statement, saying: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Liam Miller and his family at this time.”
Manchester United, another of his old clubs, used their official Twitter account to post a similar message of support.
And Kevin McBride, a former Celtic and Hibs team-mate of Miller, spoke of his “devastation” at hearing of his best friend’s fight against cancer.
The two players came through the ranks together at Parkhead.
And McBride said: “It’s absolutely heart-breaking. I am utterly devastated. It’s actually hard for words to describe how I am feeling just now when I think about Liam.
“He’s my best friend in football and has been for years.
“When I first heard the news, it just hit me like a massive bolt from nowhere.
“It’s terrible for someone as young as Liam who is so fit, and for all his family, who will be right beside him.
“I know he’s from a very close-knit family back in Cork and they will do anything they can to try to help him.
“I will be saying a few prayers and I’m sure a lot of people will be doing the same.
“This puts so much of everyday life into perspective.”