Liam Miller dead: Former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder dies, aged 36

Player won 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland and scored one goal for his country

Liam Miller, the former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder, has died aged 36 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

It was revealed in November that Miller, who won 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland and scored one goal for his country, had been diagnosed with the disease.

The Cork-born player joined Celtic aged 16 and made 15 appearances for the club before moving to Manchester United. He struggled to hold down a place in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, eventually moving to Sunderland before spells at Queens Park Rangers and Hibernian.

He also played in Australia and the United States, and returned to his hometown to represent Cork City late in his career.

The news provoked an outpouring of affection for the popular player with former clubs, team-mates and fans paying tribute to Miller, and sending messages of condolence to his wife and three children.

Kevin Kilbane tweeted: ”Sad hearing the awful news that Liam Miller has passed away this evening, taken far so soon by a terrible disease. Proud to have shared a dressing room with him over the years. #RIPLiamMiller.” Kevin Doyle, the Republic of Ireland striker, wrote: “Extremely sad news, rest in peace Liam Miller, a gentleman.”

The fellow former Hibs player turned commentator Tam McManus tweeted: “Think you can see the esteem that Liam Miller was held in by supporters of every club he either played for or against with the tributes to him tonight. Such a wonderfully talented player but more importantly a lovely, humble person who never changed despite the wealth and success.”