The Lennon Miller masterclass against Celtic that set midfielder towards stardom as Motherwell transfer hope emerges

Liam Gordon watched a young Ali McCann emerge at St Johnstone as an integral part of their legendary cup-winning side. He was probably the most talented kid he’d ever played alongside – until he joined Motherwell that is.

After only a few training sessions at Fir Park, Gordon knew that, in Lennon Miller, they had something special on their hands. The Fir Park teenager, who celebrates his 18th birthday today against Hearts, has already racked up 44 first-team games for the Steelmen. He has started this new Premiership c ampaign in terrific form and is a key part of Stuart Kettlewell’s side.

Gordon has played with a few exceptional youngsters in his career – McCann, who earned a move to Preston North End, and current Saints starlet Fran Franczak to name just two. But the defender is blown away by Miller’s potential. He says the teenager has ability beyond his years and might be the best he has EVER seen at his age. Ahead of the home clash with the Jambos, the Motherwell centre-back said: “I played with Ali at Saints who was really good when he came through.

“But Ali wasn’t playing at 17. He didn’t break through until he was 19 or 20. Franczak is also a really good player and in Poland’s Under-18 squad. I thought he was one of the best I’d seen at that club in a long time.

“But then I came here and watched Lennon. He’s a similar age to Fran but playing every week in the Premiership. Fran has a great career ahead of him. But Lennon is a special talent that we should all appreciate.

“Hopefully we can keep him here for as long as possible. Before I joined I hadn’t seen much of him. I remember watching Lennon in a game against Celtic here and being really impressed.

“But then I saw him in my first few training sessions.