We'll Give Boss Some G-Lee Time

Mar 16 2008 By Mark Guidi

ABERDEEN striker Lee Miller watched boss Jimmy Calderwood sink to his knees in despair last week after Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's last-gasp leveller robbed the Dons of a Scottish Cup semi-final place.

But the Pittodrie ace hopes to harness that hurt and give his gaffer something to cheer by gunning down Celtic in Tuesday's replay.

A Hampden date with Queen of the South awaits the winners of the Parkhead clash and Miller knows Aberdeen would be favourites to reach the final if they can get past Gordon Strachan's side.

And he admits a shock win would be the perfect way to make up for the misery of Vennegoor of Hesselink's Pittodrie hammer blow.

Miller said: "I honestly thought we were through. Then Celtic scored so late on and I was totally gutted. I've had a few sore ones during my career but that might just have been the biggest slap ever - more like a hammer blow.

"Jimmy Calderwood was down about it and we all felt the same.

"It seemed cruel to us that Celtic scored.We had been playing well and had the chance to score more when we were one ahead.

"Artur Boruc pulled off two or three great saves.

"Mind you, Derek Soutar also made great stops for us.

"We just have to go into the replay believing we can win.

"No disrespect to Queen of the South but ifwe can win this one we will have an excellent chance of making it to the final."

Miller has already played in a winning side at Parkhead.

He starred for Hearts in a 2-0 win three seasons ago when Martin O'Neill was in charge of the Hoops.

And the victory played a part in Celtic losing the title that season.

Lee said: "I was on loan at Tynecastle from Bristol City and there wasn't too much at stake for us. But it was still great to score.

Mark Burchill got the other goal.

"I love playing at Celtic Park - it's a great arena and there's always a terrific atmosphere. I just hope we can silence the crowd."

Miller has been in fine form for Aberdeen this season and his displays have attracted interest from several Coca - Cola Championship sides including Leicester and Ipswich.

The 24-year-old striker is out of contract in the summer and Dons are desperate to keep him.

He hasn't made a decision yet but admitted he is enjoying his football in the Granite City.

Miller said: "I've played a lot of games for Aberdeen and that has definitely made a big difference to my game.

"It's probably the best football I've played for at least two years. At Bristol City and Dundee United I had been put in the reserves a few times and that didn't feel good.

"I had a spell at Tannadice but it didn't work out. However, since Aberdeen signed me it has been much better and I have to thank the gaffer for that.

"He tried to get me earlier but I chose United instead. I'm glad he gave me another chance.

"I had a slow start to my career here but I've had a wee kick up the backside and that's what I needed.

"Things are looking fine at the moment but it will all feel so much better if we can win during the week at Parkhead."