Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has claimed that a last-minute return to Celtic for Calvin Miller was stopped on deadline day.
Miller, who started his career at the Glasgow club, supposedly had a deal in place to return from Falkirk.
The 28-year-old was a first-team member under Brendan Rodgers in 2016 but struggled to cement his place after unsuccessful loan stints at Dundee and Ayr United.
His time at Celtic concluded with moves to Harrogate Town, Notts County, and Morton before his 2023 signing with Falkirk.
The winger has contributed significantly to his side's recent successive promotions.
Mulgrew suggested that the decision to quash Miller's potential return occurred with fewer than three hours left on the transfer window clock.
He told the Go Radio Football Show: "I know that Celtic were trying to get Calvin Miller. He thought he was in the door.
"His agent got a call two days before [the deadline] saying that it's ready to be done, they want him, and he was delighted to go back to Celtic.
"8.30pm on the night of the window [closing], it was done - obviously Celtic had plates spinning the way players do.
"I don't know where he was [in that pecking order], whether he was second choice, and he thought he was getting a dream move back to Celtic and it didn't happen.
"He got told at 8.30pm that the deal is off."
Mulgrew's revelation sheds light on the complexities and uncertainties of the world of football transfers and provides an insight into how late decisions can dramatically alter a player's career path.
Miller's career at Celtic was marked with highs and lows.
The pacey winger broke into the first team in 2016 and was thought to have notable potential.
However, the inability to secure a regular first-team spot led to loan spells away from the club, eventually resulting in him leaving Celtic Park permanently.
His performances since joining Falkirk in 2023 speak volumes of his talent and commitment to the game.
His significant contributions to John McGlynn's team have been influential in their recent back-to-back promotions.
Whether or not Miller was to be Celtic's backup plan, Mulgrew's claims have thrown an intriguing light on what could have been a U-turn in Miller’s career, back to the place where it all started.
It remains to be seen what kind of difference Calvin Miller could have made had the claimed return deal been realised, but for now, the winger, who has been a stalwart in Falkirk's recent success, continues to be a crucial part of their squad.
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