Sunderland captain John O’Shea has paid tribute to Liam Miller, who passed away last week at the age of just 36.
O’Shea and Miller played together for Ireland and were also team-mates at Manchester United.
Miller, who leaves a wife and three young children, came through the international youth ranks with the Black Cats skipper.
The midfielder would go on to have a successful playing career, including a fondly-remembered spell with Sunderland between August 2006 and September 2009.
He scored a crucial late winner against Derby County 11 years ago this month as Roy Keane’s side marched towards the Championship title.
Speaking in his column in this Saturday’s matchday programme, O’Shea said: “Liam was a good friend and an even better team-mate.
“He and I first met when we were in the Irish under-15s and played through all the youth levels together, including winning the European Championships as under-16s.
“Before I chose to go to Manchester United, I almost joined Liam at Celtic. I was very close to going there. Liam and Jim Goodwin were there – two lads I’d played with in the Irish team – and the fact we’d got on so well was one of the reasons I was seriously thinking about joining.
“Liam later joined me at Manchester United and we had a fantastic time there. He was well liked at all his clubs – including Sunderland, where he played a key part in getting the club back into the Premier League.
“Liam’s ability on the ball was there for everyone to see. His timing of runs and passing was quality and he had a good knack for getting goals too. The big thing, though, was his personality. Maybe people thought he was quiet. Believe me – Liam was far from it. If there was mischief going on, he was never far away.
“It’s so sad that Liam has left us so soon. The amount of people at his funeral speaks volumes about him as a person. He had so many more things to look forward to in life. He had started to coach and had a beautiful family to be a part of and watch grow, and now that has been taken away.”