Lee Miller admits he needs to pinch himself at times to check if he’s dreaming, or if son Lennon is actually playing for Scotland under-17s.
The younger Miller is with the young Scots in Israel right now, where he’s taking part in the UEFA Under-17 Championship finals, and Lee says he has now left kids’ football behind, that this is the real deal.
Scotland started against Portugal last night with a painful 5-1 defeat, but now face Denmark on May 20, with Sweden waiting three days later.
Former Aberdeen, Dundee United and Falkirk striker Miller says it’s a real source of pride for the family that Motherwell midfielder Lennon, 15, is doing so well.
Lee, 38, said: “This makes it more real. I do need to pinch myself, now and again.
“I’ve brought Lennon up, and he’s had a lot happened in his life and stuff, so for him to kick on is just brilliant.
“He’s always loved football, it’s the only thing he has ever wanted to do in his life.
“So for him to be called on and be a year younger and play a major part in what Scotland are doing just now is an incredible achievement for him.
“We’re just super-proud, we’ll get behind him all the way, and it’s what he’s always wanted to do.
“It’s not kid’s stuff anymore, he’s actually playing for Scotland.
“Everybody dreams of playing for their country – it doesn’t matter if it’s under-17s, 19s, 21s... this is a major tournament, against the cream of the crop. He wants to test himself against the best, so let him crack on with it.”
Miller added: “It’s amazing. He puts a lot of dedication in.
“It’s a great achievement for him, personally and for the family it’s a really proud moment, for him to be representing his country in a major tournament.
“He’s doing great, he’s got a really mature head on his shoulders and he doesn’t get too carried away with himself, which is good.
“He knows how good he is, but he doesn’t boast about it, or rub it in anybody’s face or anything like that.
“He’s got a really good attitude and that is pleasing for me, as his dad.”
Lee says Lennon is also in good hands at club level, where he plays for Motherwell under-18s.
He said: “He’s doing great at Motherwell, he’s playing under-18s and thriving on it.
“There are a lot of good players, they’ve got a good wee team there and they’re coached by really good coaches, like Stevie Hammell, David Clarkson, Brian Kerr.
“These are all players I’ve played with myself, and I’ve experienced these kinds of things, so he’s in a good place, in terms of that.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
