The talented full-back needs to learn to keep his mouth shut, according to the Hibs manager.
For Wednesday’s trip to Celtic Park, Hibs defender Lewis Miller will start again, but boss Nick Montgomery has threatened to tape up his mouth before letting him go.
Due to suspension, the Australian fullback was unable to participate in Sunday’s triumph over Aberdeen after receiving a second booking against Dundee the previous weekend. Teenage Rory Whittaker filled in, but his manager feels it would be unrealistic to expect him to perform at a higher level against the reigning league champions when he has already exhausted himself.
“I believe it would be an enormous task for a 16-year-old to recover from two games in a short period of time, so Lewis will return feeling rejuvenated, having just scored the game-winning goal.”
Although his early dismissal from the team was somewhat mitigated by his winning goal at Dens Park, his manager still wants him to learn from his mistakes and control his mouth, which left him on a tightrope in that match and ultimately cost him his spot against Barry Robson’s team.
I find Lewis frustrating because he isn’t paying attention to the game when he is doing that. I like his drive and competitive spirit, but he knows he must give it up and accepts that.
The athlete has acknowledged that he enjoys a good deal of teasing and that he rarely backs down from a fight, but his manager wants him to use that energy more wisely.
Montgomery, who has only lost two of his last 13 games since coming to the capital, expressed optimism that his sending off would aid in his learning. “Perhaps we ought to just gag his lips!
“As a manager, sometimes you can’t legislate for a second yellow like that, so I gave him a pass since he scored and we won the game. It might have been a free-kick, but there was no lunge—the goal was just to obtain the ball.
“No matter how many times I’ve seen it, it was still quite cruel. However, that moment is missed if he doesn’t receive the first yellow for arguing with a rival player. He’s still out there on the field.
Lewis is still learning from it, as his initial yellow card was only for a pointless altercation. That is why he was sent off, I told him after the game. He has to get knowledge of that.
“But we’re excited to have him back in the squad because he’s a strong boy and he’s getting more confident.”
Montgomery, who worked with the 23-year-old at Central Coast Mariners prior to their reunion at Hibs, is familiar with both the player’s skill and character. The youngster did well against Celtic in October, as the teams drew 0-0 at Easter Road.
Lewis clearly enjoys playing against Celtic, as evidenced by his performance against them last time. I hope he returns looking really well. Being able to rest players and yet obtain results is undoubtedly advantageous, especially with the volume of games scheduled for the next several weeks.
He’s still young enough to learn, you see. since learning never stops throughout your career. Lewis is incredibly talented. But for ninety-five, ninety-five minutes, he needs to focus. The most difficult task with Lewis is that.
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