Scottish Football: Miller's place in jeopardy

THE FUTURE of Willie Miller, the Aberdeen manager, was discussed by the club's board after Saturday's defeat by Motherwell, writes David McKinney.

Although he remains in the position at Pittodrie after being given the dreaded vote of confidence, there is a growing belief that he will be asked to step down if the Dons lose to Celtic in the Coca-Cola Cup semi-final on Wednesday week without a discernible improvement in their league form.

Rangers moved three points clear at the top after a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock, although the Ibrox club are burdened with injuries. Trevor Steven will see a specialist this week for a leg problem while Alexei Mikhailichenko, who has made just one appearance this season, will have a further operation on a troublesome knee. Ian Ferguson is also out while the striker, Ally McCoist, who missed Saturday's game with a calf injury, has played just 20 full games in 18 months.

Celtic's challenge stuttered as they suffered their first defeat of the season, beaten 1-0 by Hearts.