According to the latest reports from Evening Times, Portsmouth are keen on signing Celtic’s youngster Calvin Miller. It is being said that the Glaswegian giants are keen on clearing out their fringe players and the deal could go through soon for Miller. The 21-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Neil Lennon.
Portsmouth will be looking to clinch promotion from the League One this season, and this is not the first time that Kenny Jackett is looking to get players from the Scottish giants. The club had earlier brought in Ross McCrorie albeit from Rangers on a season-long loan.
Miller is a left-sided fullback who can play further up on the flanks as well. The defender has had loan spells at Dundee and Ayr United in the last two seasons. The 21-year-old has made five senior team appearances for the Hoops but has never really managed to nail down a regular spot in the playing eleven.
The fullback was seen as a major talent when he was playing for Scotland’s and Celtic’s youth team, but it is fair to say that his career hasn’t reached the heights which was expected of him so far.
What are his strengths?
Miller is known to be an attack-minded fullback, and he can deliver some vicious crosses down the left flank. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and that is why he has even played as a winger at various youth levels. Defensively, we aren’t too sure of Miller’s abilities as he hasn’ played much at the top level. However, the fact that he hasn’t been involved in Celtic’s first team this season even though the club had to let go of two left-backs suggests that the Celtic manager doesn’t fancy him much.
Does Jackett need Miller?
The club currently has Lee Brown as the first choice left-back option. The 29-year-old was a regular feature for the Pompey down the left as he made 51 appearances for them in all competitions last season. Apart from that, the club has got Brandon Haunstrup who can fill in at left-back. The 22-year-old has come up from Portsmouth’s academy, but he hasn’t been able to showcase his worth much.
Maybe that is where someone like Miller can come in as he will add more depth and competition for places with Brown. Moreover, Miller’s attacking qualities are eye-catching, and he can be a difference-maker in the attacking half. His versatility to play as a winger will also be a significant asset for Jackett.
