GORDON Strachan praised Rangers striker Kenny Miller for his contribution to the Celtic cause when he was at Parkhead and admitted he did not want to lose the player.
Miller had his first spell at Ibrox under Dick Advocaat in 2000-01 but was sold to Wolves from where he joined the Scottish champions in 2006.
The Scotland international's time at Parkhead was less than fruitful before he was offloaded to Derby a year later, but Miller rejoined Rangers in the summer and is likely to lead the line in Sunday's Old Firm derby.
Miller's goalscoring record has been questioned throughout his career and he has yet to find the net for the Light Blues.
But Strachan had only good words for the much-maligned Scotland striker.
He said: "We can only thank Kenny for what he did when he was here.
"He was a good pro who helped us to win two trophies. He was not a minute's problem.
"Kenny only wanted to move on because we couldn't guarantee him a game.
"I appreciate that and I understand that, and I like that in a man who just wants to play football. So Kenny has got my admiration and respect."
Asked if he had wanted Miller to leave, Strachan replied: "No, not at all. But I understood where he was coming from.
"He wanted to play football, and I have no problems with that whatsoever.
"He was up front about it, he just wanted to play football, but I couldn't guarantee that to anybody."
Strachan was more reticent when asked about goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who was omitted from the Poland squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Slovenia and San Marino after allegedly breaking a curfew following a recent friendly in Ukraine.
Boruc, 28, and international team-mates Dariusz Dudka and Radoslaw Majewski were accused of leaving the team hotel to have a night out with Polish journalists.
Strachan said he would be contacting Poland boss Leo Beenhakker to clarify the situation but the Celtic boss said: "To be fair, we have tried to contact Mr Beenhakker but his mobile just keeps running out.
"But he's made his decision and we'll have to stand by that.
"I've spoken to Artur and he's given us his version, and that's it closed now.
"Artur has cost himself two Polish caps. But I'd still like to get in touch with Mr Beenhakker.
"But Artur played well last week. His attitude has been first class."
The Scotland international's time at Parkhead was less than fruitful before he was offloaded to Derby a year later, but Miller rejoined Rangers in the summer and is likely to lead the line in Sunday's Old Firm derby.
Miller's goalscoring record has been questioned throughout his career and he has yet to find the net for the Light Blues.
But Strachan had only good words for the much-maligned Scotland striker.
He said: "We can only thank Kenny for what he did when he was here.
"He was a good pro who helped us to win two trophies. He was not a minute's problem.
"Kenny only wanted to move on because we couldn't guarantee him a game.
"I appreciate that and I understand that, and I like that in a man who just wants to play football. So Kenny has got my admiration and respect."
Asked if he had wanted Miller to leave, Strachan replied: "No, not at all. But I understood where he was coming from.
"He wanted to play football, and I have no problems with that whatsoever.
"He was up front about it, he just wanted to play football, but I couldn't guarantee that to anybody."
Strachan was more reticent when asked about goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who was omitted from the Poland squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Slovenia and San Marino after allegedly breaking a curfew following a recent friendly in Ukraine.
Boruc, 28, and international team-mates Dariusz Dudka and Radoslaw Majewski were accused of leaving the team hotel to have a night out with Polish journalists.
Strachan said he would be contacting Poland boss Leo Beenhakker to clarify the situation but the Celtic boss said: "To be fair, we have tried to contact Mr Beenhakker but his mobile just keeps running out.
"But he's made his decision and we'll have to stand by that.
"I've spoken to Artur and he's given us his version, and that's it closed now.
"Artur has cost himself two Polish caps. But I'd still like to get in touch with Mr Beenhakker.
"But Artur played well last week. His attitude has been first class."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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