Morton defender insists he did not intend to injure Johansen
FORMER Celtic trainee Michael Miller insisted yesterday that he never intended to hurt Parkhead star Stefan Johansen with a challenge that left the Norwegian hobbling out of Celtic Park in a protective boot. Referee Willie Collum did not even award a free-kick for a clash, right on the stroke of half-time, that forced Johansen’s substitution in yesterday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final home win over Morton. Celtic boss Ronny Deila, awaiting the result of scans on Johansen’s ankle today, said: ‘The challenge looked like it was a stretched leg, straight into his ankle. It was not good to watch. ‘It’s hard to say how he is. Hopefully, it’s not a big injury and he didn’t twist anything. We will get more answers on that tomorrow.’ Miller defended himself from any charge of trying to ‘do’ Johansen, declaring: ‘I need to see the replays back. But I’ve not tried to break his leg. It would be unfair to say that. ‘I never really thought too much of it at the time. I thought it was a bouncing ball, 50-50, and I thought I just touched it away. ‘I’ve not seen the replay. But I’ve not gone in with malicious intent. I didn’t go in to do him or anything. I just wanted to win the ball. I thought he was coming in fairly quick, as well. ‘I need to see it back but I didn’t try to do him. I wouldn’t do that. ‘At the time, I didn’t even realise he was injured. It was just at half-time, so we went up the tunnel and then I saw he’d been subbed when we came back out again. ‘Obviously, I wish him a speedy recovery. It was just an awkward bounce of the ball, just unlucky.’ Miller, who had been booked moments earlier, said he did not fear a second yellow card, insisting: ‘No, it never even crossed my mind. Because I thought I got the ball, the ref thought that as well. It was just a very awkward challenge.’