Hibee Liam Miller says it's no big deal that he hasn't signed

COLIN CALDERWOOD looked into the possibility of signing Liam Miller while the pair were still plying their trade down south.

The midfielder's price tag thwarted him back then but now, with fortune having thrown them together at Easter Road, the Hibs boss would be gutted to lose the former Celtic and Manchester United player in the summer.

With so many of the Leith club's first-team squad out of contract at the end of the season, Miller is one of the few who have been offered new terms. Negotiations are ongoing but Calderwood hopes matters can be resolved.

"I've known of Liam and seen him for a long time and, although I was never able to get him at Nottingham Forest, he was one that we certainly tried for.

"He was at Sunderland and we were aware of the situation but we were nowhere near (the asking price] so we couldn't even attempt to sign him."

Having worked with Miller since becoming manager at Easter Road, Calderwood says his views then have simply been validated.

"I've enjoyed working with him. He's a good man, that's what I like about him and it's obvious that he's a good footballer and one who takes responsibility in terms of the ball and never really shies away from it. I enjoy watching him work, he has a great attitude to training and I'm sure his influence will grow on the club. It's been difficult for everyone and, because he's one of the top-level players, then I think people look at him first and foremost in terms of poor results."

Linked with a move to rivals Hearts in January, the 30-year-old is unsure where the rumours came from. He said: "I never spoke to anyone in January. Nothing took off." In fact, the only people who mentioned it were his team-mates when it became the talk of the training ground. Since then, Hibs have enjoyed a return to winning ways and successive victories have helped them put some distance between themselves and the relegation slot. But, having been in and out of the team, Miller is still delaying a decision on his long-term future.

He said: "I have the option to keep my options open until the end of the season and I'd like to assess things then. If I'm playing well and keep my place in the team then it's a good thing for me and the club.

"We're still in talks. I haven't made my mind up on anything definite yet but I'm very happy here.

"It's up to me to get a regular place in the team and for the team to push up through the league."