Liam Miller dead aged 36: Manchester United and Celtic stars pay tribute after Irishman loses battle with pancreatic cancer

FORMER Manchester United and Celtic star Liam Miller has died at the age of 36 after losing a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Miller was diagnosed in November last year and had been undergoing treatment in the United States and Ireland.

The midfielder played under Sir Alex Ferguson for two years at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2006, netting twice in 22 appearances in all competitions,

He started his career at Scottish giants Celtic in 1999, before cementing himself as a key player in the 2003-04 campaign, where he helped them win the league title after featuring on 40 occasions.

His rapid rise earned him his Republic of Ireland debut in 2004 - his first of 21 caps for the Boys in Green - where he scored just once, a stunner against Sweden in a 3-0 win.

A fan favourite wherever he went, Miller also enjoyed spells at Leeds, Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, before eventually moving back to Scotland.

He played at Hibernian for two seasons, accumulating 76 caps and seven goals, before venturing into Australia to don the jerseys of Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar.

Miller then returned back to his native country to sign for Cork City, but was on the move yet again a year later to join American semi-professional side Wilmington Hammerheads.

United posted a heartfelt message on Twitter, which read: Manchester United is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of our former midfielder Liam Miller.

"We extend our condolences to his loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

While Hibernian also tweeted their condolences, where they said: "We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of former Hibernian midfielder Liam Miller.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Celtic tweeted: "Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former midfielder Liam Miller.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. RIP Liam, YNWA."

Miller won the Championship with the Black Cats in the 2006/07 season, and Sunderland also took to social media to pay their respects.

They said: "We are saddened to hear this evening that former #SAFC midfielder Liam Miller has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

While Leeds in a statement tweeted: "Everyone at Leeds United are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former #LUFC midfielder Liam Miller. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

His death has rocked the football community, with former Celtic team-mate Chris Sutton saying: "Terribly sad news about Liam Miller. Taken too young. Thoughts go out to his family."

And former Irish team-mate Clinton Morrison wrote on Twitter: "RIP Liam miller was a honour to play with you such a good footballer and a great guy as well such sad news thoughts go out to his family at this sad time."

While Keith Gillespie said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Liam Miller. Thoughts with his family at this sad time."

SunSport columnist Danny Higginbotham wrote: "RIP Liam Miller. Devastating news. Great player but more importantly fantastic person. So sad. Thoughts with his family."

And QPR's official page had the message: "#QPR are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former midfielder Liam Miller, aged just 36. Our thoughts go out to Liam's family and friends at this time."

While former team-mate Kevin Doyle said: "Extremely sad news,Rest in peace Liam Miller, a gentleman."

Brisbane Roar confirmed their women's team will hold a minute's silence and wear black arm bands ahead of their next match.