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Scotland's Kenny Miller retires from international football

Last updated on .From the section Footballcomments229

Striker Kenny Miller

Scotland striker Kenny Miller has retired from international football, despite manager Gordon Strachan hoping the 33-year-old would stay on.

Miller scored the last of his 18 goals for his country in this month's 3-2 defeat by England at Wembley.

Strachan said working with Miller had been "a pleasure".

"I did try to convince Kenny to give it another year, but really that's not fair, it's been a huge decision for him and he's left a legacy," he added.

First capped in 2001, Miller, who plays for Vancouver Whitecaps, made 69 appearances for Scotland.

"Kenny's finished on a high and his hard work and intelligence paid off at Wembley," explained Strachan.

"He's a terrific role model."

Miller, who began his career at Hibernian, counts Celtic, Rangers and Wolves among his former clubs.

He made his Scotland debut on 25 April 2001 in a 1-1 friendly draw with Poland, scoring his first international goal in earning his second cap almost two years later, in a 2-1 Euro 2004 qualifying win over Iceland.

The striker entered the International Roll of Honour in October 2010 after winning his 50th cap in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic.

Interview - Scotland boss Gordon Strachan

Strachan described Miller as a "talented player" who gave his all for Scotland.

"In my time as national coach it has been a pleasure to have a player with his ability and experience in the squad," added the Scotland boss.

"He has come to this decision to help prolong his club career and feels that this is the best time bow out.

"We understand his decision and wish him all the best for the future."

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229 comments

  • Comment posted by whatsthemata, at 11:35 23 Aug 2013

    From an English point of view, if half our players put in as much effort in an England shirt as this man did in a Scottish one, then I think we would actually be in with a shout when it comes to international competitions.

  • Comment posted by swford, at 10:03 23 Aug 2013

    As much as people have criticised him over the years (myself included) he has scored some extremely important goals for us. Everyone knew he wasn't technically the best but always tried his heart out when wearing the blue jersey.

    Best of luck in the MLS Kenny.

    A great goal against the Old Enemy at Wembley isn't a bad way to end it!

  • Comment posted by Stephen Marsh, at 11:28 23 Aug 2013

    Strangely, Kenny Miller always seems to elicit a polarised response, particularly amongst Scots. I always thought he was a decent lad, worked hard for the team, made the best of his modest talent, and is a proud Scotsman. Surely a career like that deserves some respect from real fans? Although obviously not from the resident nihilists who simply hate everyone and everything.

  • Comment posted by U11824256, at 10:40 23 Aug 2013

    @20 Scotoon

    I think Gary Cahill is still trying to turn around in the Wembley car park!

  • Comment posted by U15431191, at 11:52 23 Aug 2013

    Will miss the fake tan on his face. But in all seriousness he gave 110% every time he put on the Scotland jersey and chased everything, if the rest of the team played with his passion we might actual qualify for a tournament!.

  • Comment posted by U15715318, at 13:42 23 Aug 2013

    As a Wolves fan I got to see every Kenny Miller apperance in the Old Gold and Black and his workrate and committment were fantastic. A sad loss to the Scottish team. A fantasticly underrated player.

  • Comment posted by U15739166, at 11:28 23 Aug 2013

    The epitome of dedication in playing for ones country. N.Ireland Fan

  • Comment posted by iainidc, at 10:52 23 Aug 2013

    @25 what a nasty and unpleasant comment to make. Totally uncalled for.

  • Comment posted by U15820742, at 10:22 23 Aug 2013

    Well done to Kenny Miller! Gave us (Tartan Army) some great goals to celebrate! Shame he never made a major tournament, deserved as much.

  • Comment posted by sirelan, at 10:20 23 Aug 2013

    Although I am not Scottish so cannot really comment on the timing of his retirement. I agree with the comments regarding Kenny always giving 100% when he was at Cardiff he was one of the most honest players I have ever seen.

  • Comment posted by David B, at 13:45 23 Aug 2013

    Been the face of Scotland through good times and bad for god knows how many years. Loyal servant to his country who can be proud of the caps he won. Good luck Kenny Miller.

    - England fan

  • Comment posted by U13896647, at 13:43 23 Aug 2013

    if your reading this Kenny, thanks again for the memories and it was always 100 per cent given by you for your country and also any clubs you played for. be proud of what you did in a scotland shirt and good luck for the future mate.

  • Comment posted by Barcelona_nil, at 12:40 23 Aug 2013

    Sports Realist: "What has Kenny ever done for Scotland?"

    Apart from scoring equalisers and/or winners against the Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Norway (3 times), Croatia and others? Apart, in fact, from scoring more goals than the entire current squad has managed between them?

  • Comment posted by Roryomohr, at 11:34 23 Aug 2013

    Thank you, Kenny, for your valiant service to the Scotland cause. You are a true Scot who never turned your country down, when fit. I'll always remember your one man show against Italy when you ran circles round their so-called watertight defence. You were the best Scotland ever had in the lone striker role.

  • Comment posted by Scotoon, at 10:35 23 Aug 2013

    LandOfHopeAndGlory...do you know if Cahill is still in his place at the edge of the box at Wembley? ;)

    Cheers Kenny, no one can knock the effort you put in.

  • Comment posted by U15778656, at 15:57 23 Aug 2013

    proved many of us (myself included) wrong last week about his continued selection with a terrific performance and goal at Wembley. Worked his socks off for us in the big games chasing things down as a lone striker. Great professional - good luck in MLS

  • Comment posted by Golfpunk, at 15:23 23 Aug 2013

    161. You sir are an idiot. You bleat on with your username, yet you are bashing a scottish player? well done.

  • Comment posted by JaseBHA, at 15:14 23 Aug 2013

    I don't know if all the people criticising him so strongly are Scottish or not, but this Englishman thought he made one of our centre halves look foolish in scoring a very good goal in what turned out to be his last game for his country. Good luck to him - how many times have those barracking him pulled on the shirt for their country?

  • Comment posted by U2463021, at 15:10 23 Aug 2013

    If all Miller's contemporaries had his attitude & dedication towards the Scottish cause we wouldn't be in the situation we are now. He turned up every time he was asked and ran himself into the ground. Are there more talented players around? Absolutely. Are there more dedicated Scotland players? Precious few.

    I'm glad for him he's finished with a very good goal in a big game.

  • Comment posted by U15821024, at 14:53 23 Aug 2013

    Ultimate professional - glad to see him go out on a high note after scoring against "them". Never really gets the recognition he deserves for his work rate, attitude and willingness to do anything asked of him.

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