Former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder Liam Miller battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy

Miller retired from football in 2016 and had been in the US for treatment

Miller made 20 appearances in two years for United (Getty)

Martin O'Neill has offered the backing of the entire Irish team to his former player and former international Liam Miller, after it was revealed the 36-year-old has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The midfielder made 21 caps for Ireland and played under O’Neill for Celtic between 2000 and 2004 before moving to Manchester United, meaning the tragic news has affected the manager even more.

The Irish boss specifically made reference to a brilliant goal-scoring performance Miller put in in a 2-0 Champions League win over Lyon in 2003.

“I gave him his debut at Celtic. He played wonderfully well in a Champions League game one evening,” O’Neill said. “He was outstanding.

“We heard about it recently. We didn’t know how bad it was. All thoughts go out to him and his family. He’s got three children as well, 36 years of age. It puts things in perspective.”

The 36-year-old, who began his career at Parkhead before moving to Old Trafford, has been undergoing treatment in the US for what is understood to be pancreatic cancer last month before returning home.

The news was revealed by his former Hibs colleague Tam McManus, who also said Miller is due to start chemotherapy.

He tweeted: “Awful news about Liam Miller keep fingers crossed that he somehow pulls through.

“Was in the USA for treatment this month and flies back tomorrow to start chemo here. He’s still fighting it. Will say a prayer for him tonight.

“He starts chemo tomorrow and is fighting hard really can’t go into any more detail than that out of respect for him and family. Praying he can get better.”

Among those first to send messages of support around the former midfielder was ex-Celtic and Arsenal striker John Hartson, who beat testicular cancer in 2009 after it spread to his brain and lungs.

“My thoughts are with Liam Miller and his family this morning. Hope he can get through this difficult time of his life,” tweeted the Welshman.

Miller retired from football in 2016 and had been working towards achieving his Uefa training licence.