Lennon Miller is back in the Scotland squad for the forthcoming Nations League double header, and new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli wasted little time in making him feel wanted. Miller’s father, Lee, revealed that Pocognoli Facetimed the Udinese midfielder the day before the squad was announced, calling it a positive step for his son.
The recall follows a difficult summer for Miller. The 20-year-old had been part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the March friendlies against Japan at Hampden and the Ivory Coast, but he did not play a single minute. He was then overlooked for Clarke’s World Cup farewell against Curacao, when uncapped Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher was called up instead, and was not taken to the World Cup.
Lee Miller, a former Scotland international, said the period was “really difficult” and “a difficult summer.” “There’s no getting away from it,” he said. “As a family, we had to get round about him.” He added that he offered “a few words of wisdom and encouragement” and that Miller must now “get on with things and knuckle down and work hard.”
At club level, Miller is in his second season with Udinese and showing signs of consistency. He has featured in all five of Udinese’s Serie A games this season and has started each of the past two. He also played a full 90 minutes in the Italy Cup against Venezia earlier this month, having featured heavily in the club’s two cup wins. It is a notable step for a player who was first thrust into the Motherwell first team just six days after turning 16.
Lee Miller believes his son is adapting well to life in Italy. He said the first season was about finding his feet and bedding in, while this season has already brought more minutes. “If anything, he’s developing every single day over there,” he said. “It’s a totally different regime, totally different set up, lifestyle. Everything about it has been excellent.” He added that Miller just needs to continue doing what he is doing at Udinese and hopefully take that form into the Scotland squad.
Clarke’s time in charge is over, and Pocognoli has stepped up to the mandate for change called for by the Tartan Army. The new head coach’s squad has a fresh look for the Nations League double header, with Miller back in the fold and looking to impress. Lee Miller, who is set to play for Aberdeen in next month’s Tennent’s Sixes tournament, said it was “great to see him back in” and described the manager’s Facetime as “real positive on the front foot.”