Celtic starlet Calvin Miller has revealed he was about to join St. Johnstone on loan in January before Brendan Rodgers asked him to stay at Parkhead.
Miller made just his third senior appearance this season, and his first start since August in a 0-0 draw on Sunday, and revealed after the game that he almost left the Hoops on loan last month.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Miller said: “I was aware they [St. Johnstone] wanted me at Christmas time. There is a big squad here, a lot of players, so I was going to be going out on loan.
“But we got a few injuries so the gaffer told me he wanted me to stay closer to the squad. He just told me to work hard and that’s how I got my chance today because I have been doing that.”
The 20-year-old was one of seven changes against the Saints, with manager Rodgers looking to rest several of his big names ahead of the Europa League second leg against Zenit St. Petersburg this Thursday.
Miller deputised for Kieran Tierney at left-back against St. Johnstone, but was unable to help the side to three points on the day.
The Hoops still maintain a comfortable lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, sitting nine points above Rangers after 27 matches.
OPINION
Miller’s selection against St. Johnstone does not fully justify his decision to stay at Parkhead for the season, but it will certainly go some way to doing so. The young defender did not do his first-team chances any harm with his display, but he is unlikely to overtake Tierney in the pecking order any time soon. Maybe a loan to a side like the Saints would have been the best option for the 20-year-old, who is seriously lacking for first-team opportunities this campaign.