Ex-Hibs star Grant predicts Miller will be a big hit down under

Miller shocked Easter Road fans by revealing he was quitting Scottish football to sign a two-year deal with Perth Glory in west Australia.

But Brebner, who has played Down Under for the past six years, insisted the 30-year-old was joining an "up-and-coming" league in which his own club, Melbourne Victory, regularly attract crowds of more than 20,000.

He believes former Celtic, Manchester United and Sunderland star Miller can help Perth – bossed by former Rangers midfielder Ian Ferguson – hit new heights.

Insisting Australia was no footballing backwater, Brebner said: "What we don't have is the history of the Scottish game. The A-League is young, we don't have the 100 years and more of Hibs and Hearts.

"Liam won't be coming here for a holiday, the chance to swan about a bit. He'll quickly find it's a competitive league.

"My own club, Melbourne Victory, play in an unbelievable purpose-built stadium and our crowds are 20,000 week in, week out. Perth are also massively supported but probably feel they have underachieved a bit. Perth are looking to make a push this season and Liam will definitely be a good signing for them."

Pointing out that successful Australian clubs can find themselves playing in the Asian Champions League - Victory visited China, Japan and South Korea over the course of last season - Brebner had one word of caution for Miller.

Now an Australian citizen, the 33-year-old, who was voted Victory's player of the year, said: "The biggest difficulty for Perth is the travel involved.

"The minimum flight time for them is four hours, while going to New Zealand to play Wellington Phoenix will involve nine hours in the air for them. Take into account the different time zones and it all takes its toll.

"Then you have to remember Perth is one of the hottest places during our season.

"But the football is good and away from the game it's a great lifestyle. You'd never find me trying to talk anyone out of coming here."