'Feels like world's against you': Miller on mix-up after first Scotland call

Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller admitted it felt like the world was against him when his first Scotland call-up was overshadowed by a commotion over “a few wrong words” he used in a press conference.

The 18-year-old was criticised in some quarters for getting ahead of himself when he said before joining up with Steve Clarke’s squad last month, “I believe that maybe in a couple of months I could be the best player there.”

While Miller makes no apologies for having aspirations of one day becoming Scotland’s best player, the midfielder – addressing the situation for the first time – said he did not mean to suggest that would happen within “months”.

“When I found out, I didn’t really know what to think, what to do, it was a pretty surreal moment,” he said, reflecting on his first Scotland call. “And then you obviously say a few wrong words, and it feels like the world’s against you, basically.

“I feel like everybody that was involved kind of backed me, and it was nice to hear a few words from people that have played, and the manager and that as well, which probably helped.

“At the time, I never really thought anything of it (the initial comments). And then obviously you get a few news bulletins that have picked it up wrong.

“It was obviously adding the ‘few months’, which was a mistake on my part. But I want to be the best player. Whether that’s in Motherwell or with Scotland, I always want to be the best. ‘A few months’ was a mistake on my part, but no, it’s what I want to be.”

Miller – who was handed the Motherwell captaincy this season – is one of four nominees for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award, alongside Rangers striker Hamza Igamane, Celtic midfielder Arne Engels and Hearts forward James Wilson.

“There’s been loads of highs and lows,” he said, looking back on his second campaign as a regular in the Fir Park midfield. “You obviously start the season really well, scoring goals, getting assists, and you get to the semi-final of the League Cup, which is a bonus, and then you pick up an injury.

“And then you come back, and you start to find your feet again, and you get the Scotland call-up, which I don’t think there is much prouder moment. And then you obviously miss out on the top six, which is another low.

“I feel like I’ve come on as a player and as a person in the last year. The captain’s armband has probably helped that, getting that at such a young age, more responsibility.”

Miller, who is under contract until the end of next season, has been the subject of regular transfer speculation since breaking into the Well side and has been touted for a big move this summer.

“I try and let that go to one side and focus on my football,” he said. “You obviously see the odd thing, which is (supposedly) going to happen if you have a good season, but I need to try and focus on my football and try to become a better player for Motherwell, and see where that takes me.”