Miller Frustrated

By Grant Gordan
April 15 2002

Charlie Miller has expressed anger and frustration at being overlooked by new Scotland manager Berti Vogts.

Miller perplexed by Scotland snub

Charlie Miller has expressed anger and frustration at being overlooked by new Scotland manager Berti Vogts.
Despite being touted by Alex Smith - his manager at Dundee United - as the best attacking midfielder in the country, Miller failed to win a slot against world champions France or in this week's squad to face Nigeria.

To add insult to injury, the 26-year-old could be asked to play for Dundee United against a B squad minus his talents at Stirling Albion's Forthbank ground on April 30.

As untried names such as Richard Hughes, Graham Alexander and Andrew Jordan - currently in plaster due to injury - prepare to win their first international recognition, Miller admits that he fears his international career may never prosper under Vogts.

'Seeing some of the players picked in there before me does upset me but Berti Vogts picks them, so what can I do?' said the former Rangers midfielder. 'Of course, I've been disappointed not to be in there because I've played a lot of games in my career.

'I'm not worried about the international squad - he's not even picked me for the B squad and I'm not in his plans, so why should I worry? The coach has picked 50 players and I've still not got a chance. He obviously just doesn't fancy me.

'I'm not ruling it out but he's not picked me in two squads so he's seen better players than me - that's the way it goes. My ambitions will always lie with playing at the highest level possible. But it's easier said than done.

'I will have to see what I can do because I'm out of contract next summer and I just want to work really hard and if I get into Berti Vogts' plans then that will be a bonus.'

Club manager Smith has held dinner talks with Vogts over Miller's case - and has promised to work on moulding him into a player with fitness levels worthy of the international game this summer.

'Ability-wise I don't think there is any doubt Charlie Miller is the best midfield player in that position in the country,' said Smith. 'Charlie will admit himself that there are times when he could have been a bit lighter I think, but he is working hard towards that now.

'He realises what he has to do and I think this summer Charlie will go away from the game and come back to a pre-season when we will be able to work with him from the outset. He is never going to be the best athlete in the world but he is a wonderful footballer.