Soccer

Motherwell teenage midfielder Lennon Miller to see specialist over foot problem

Miller picked up the injury while making a challenge on Rangers’ Oscar Cortes that earned him a yellow card.

Motherwell stand-in captain Lennon Miller has a foot injury
Motherwell stand-in captain Lennon Miller has a foot injury (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller is to see a specialist over the foot injury that forced him off against Rangers on Sunday.

The 18-year-old is set to miss Thursday’s William Hill Premiership encounter with Hearts at Tynecastle but the full extent of the Scotland Under-21 international’s problem is unclear.

Miller picked up the injury while making a challenge on Oscar Cortes that earned him a booking.

Assistant manager Stephen Frail said: “Apostolos (Stamatelopolous) went off with just a strain, he will be assessed. We’ve got a little bit of a virus in the club as well. There’s three or four players struggling with that and won’t be in this morning (Tuesday).

“But Lennon is, unfortunately, probably a little bit more than just being assessed. He will see a specialist.

“He left here on Sunday in one of those protective boots, so he will be assessed by a specialist over the next couple of days.”

The likes of Liverpool and Celtic have been linked with interest in the Scotland Under-21 international, who has captained Motherwell over the past two months, and has a season and a half left on his contract.

Lennon Miller in action against Belgium Under-21s
Lennon Miller in action against Belgium Under-21s (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Miller has been an ever-present this season and has started 25 games in a row.

When asked if seeing the specialist was a precaution, Frail said: “Well, it could be a little bit more, but we’re not sure. I’m speculating. Going into the protected boot is a precaution.

“In the tackle that he gets booked for, it’s the way he’s landed and banged his foot. So he’ll see a specialist in the next couple of days to assess the full extent of his injury.

“It’s a blow for us because he’s such a talent and he’s been a terrific player for us. Hopefully, he’ll be back with us very, very soon.”

Jack Vale is set to return from a calf injury
Jack Vale is set to return from a calf injury (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Motherwell had club captain Paul McGinn back on the bench for the 2-2 draw with Rangers and another long-term absentee could be in the squad for the trip to Edinburgh.

“We’ve got Jack Vale back from his injury from Blackburn,” Frail said. “He’s trained for two weeks down there with their under-21s for one week and then the second week with their first team, so Jack’s ready to go.

“So that’s a real boost for everyone, to have him back in the building.”