When the news of a call in the Full Scotland team reached its ears in March, Lennon Miller had designs about winning his first international cap. Instead, what followed what followed more as an international incident.
Sat for a table with microphones, the teenager taught a hard early lesson in the interest of language and their use.
“I clearly don't go in and I am the best player there, but I believe that I might be the best player there within a few months,” he told reporters at the time.
“I think you should think like a football player – you have to be the best.”
To be clear, the explained ambition of the Motherwell -Man was not the issue. Billy Gilmour, for example, had previously claimed that he wanted to be the best midfielder in the world and was welcomed for photographing for the stars.
The problem that Miller created for himself was the impossible time frame that he allowed himself to achieve his goal.
If club football is a tough school, the international environment is completely ruthless.
John Carver, Steve Clarke's right hand, said Miller had made a 'mistake' and suggested that he needed a little guidance.
Then Aston Villa captain said John McGinn said he felt that Miller would immediately be fulfilled with regret while he acknowledged that he said “many stupid things,” when he came up in St Mirren.
Apparently worried that the new boy in the camp would be emotionally bruised because he would put his head above the parapet, Clarke tried to draw a line under the case prior to the game with Greece by expressing the image of most observers.
“I think it's wrong that he is criticized because he wants to improve,” said the manager. “He wants to be the best. What is wrong with that? '
Guilty of nothing more than a small 'word vomit' – as Miller's father Lee said so briefly – will pause the 18 -year -old before he speaks when the next in that area pushed.
But, however, confuse a persistent regret about how he expressed himself with regret about the general sentiment. Because there is nothing of that.
His ambition to reach the top is as fiercely as always. It is just that he has learned that you first have to negotiate the foothills.
“Listen, it clearly did not come across as I wanted to say it,” Miller said after he was nominated for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year Award.
“I believe in my power. I want to be the best young player. I want to be the best player in Scotland.
'But the' few months' screaming was a bit malignant to say the least! I want to try to be the best player for Scotland.
'Listen to have the manager's support was fun, but I tried to show during the week that I could support those comments.
'The comments were quite correct. Of course (I have) a few words wrong, but it is what I want to be. There are positive points. I just have to do it in my own time. '
Miller knew what came as soon as he realized the mistake of his ways.
In every dressing room there is a order of seniority. At the international level, this is largely measured in won caps and large tournaments.
When a rookie suggests that he will soon carry the crown, you better believe that he will know everything about it.
“There were a few jokes,” Miller smiled. “They all understood what I tried to say and knew it was a mistake.”
Under the leadership of the exuberant McGinn, a cast of seasoned professionals humor had their point made.
“I play with his brother (Paul), so I expected it,” Miller thought. “I heard from his brother and I knew that would come.
“I did my initiation number (a team of Ed Sheeran) and after they were afterwards:” Aye, it was good, but maybe you'll be the best in a few weeks. “
Miller has been excellent for Motherwell this season, but no one needs to tell them that there are different levels in football.
Scott McTominay spent eight seasons at Manchester United before being transferred to Napoli for £ 25 million. On Sunday his brace against Torino sent his side free at the top of the Serie A.
A stunning debut season in Italy can very well culminate in a scudetto. Every rising talent could barely wish for a better player to strive for.
“Napoli will probably win the competition,” said Miller.
'That's where you want to be – that's what you want to do as a football player. I know I still have a long way to become the best. I try to take pieces from everyone's game and hopefully I get there. '