Stuart Kettlewell insists Motherwell have had no contact from clubs regarding Lennon Miller – but admits he has no control over how long he remains at Fir Park.
Celtic, Rangers, Southampton and Liverpool are keeping tabs on the 18-year-old who has taken on the captain’s armband in the absence of injured Paul McGinn and Stephen O’Donnell. Scouts from the Old Firm and Anfield giants were joined by representatives from Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa watching Miller skipper Scotland U19s in their goalless draw with France on Tuesday. But with the January transfer window just weeks away Kettlewell insists there’s been no contact over the Steelmen’s prize asset who is under contract until 2026.
The Motherwell boss said: “None whatsoever. Not a single thing. It’s not something we speak about. Contrary to all the rumours and clubs and people who have been at games watching. That may well be the case but it’s not going to affect my thinking or Lennon’s. Having his family stability behind him, the support he’s got from his family and representative, I have no qualms that his mindset is going to change any time soon.”
Miller has made 55 top team appearances since stepping up from the Fir Park academy. His standout performances have seen him become one of Scottish football’s hottest prospects.
But when asked if he thought January would be too soon for the teenager to leave Fir Park he said: “I think he should be here for the next 10-15 years! All joking aside, I’m not in control of that at all. What I am in control of is picking a fantastic young player, who has been incredibly consistent for me over the last 18 months or so.
“Someone who has been wearing the captain’s armband and showing an incredible level of maturity. I’m in control of that aspect of it. How well he performs or how well he does will dictate what happens in the future.
“I think we’re back in this country about thinking about what’s coming next, what’s he going to be in six months time or a year’s time? My mentality is different. I have to make sure everything I do with Lennon is best for his future but also for this football club and the bits we can control.
“For now selecting a team and him being in it having the impact and influence he has done is about all I can control at this stage. What Lennon has done over the last week or two has shown everyone what he is as a lad.
“He dips down to play for Scotland U19s, we had a conversation with them about managing his game time ahead of the three games and he probably played a few more minutes than what was agreed. But no qualms with me or Lennon, he loves playing football.
“He just shows everybody he has a burning desire to be the best he possibly can be. Shows how humble he is and that he’s not getting carried away with any conversation or talk about him as a footballer. I’m especially pleased with that. I’ve watched the two games he played, I’m really happy with how he’s ticking along. He will keep his feet on the ground.”