Anthony Ralston's Celtic fairytale shows Calvin Miller what he's missing but old pal is about to realise Chelsea dream

Miller rose through the ranks with Ralston but he's now at Chesterfield watching his resurgence from afar.

Anthony Ralston's dream season is a story of what might have been for his close pal and ex- Celtic team-mate Calvin Miller.

The pair grew up on opposite flanks coming through the Parkhead levels and played twice in the same Brendan Rodgers team in 2017.

But there’s no envy and only admiration for Ralston from Chesterfield wing-back Miller.

He was thrilled to check in on FaceTime with Ralston, Mikey Johnston and Conor Hazard the other day to hear tales of Premier Sports Cup glory and exciting times under Ange Postecoglou.

And besides, with Celtic on a winter break, it’s time for Miller to take centre stage at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.

The National League leaders face Chelsea in the FA Cup third round live on the BBC.

And Miller, who turns 24 on Sunday, is desperate to make an impact against Thomas Tuchel’s superstars. He said: “I couldn’t believe the draw. I actually felt the adrenalin straight away.

“It still feels surreal. These are matches you play the game for, it doesn’t get any bigger.

“I’ll be able to look back after my time in football and say I played Chelsea’s Champions League winners.

“I’m really excited. We should relish the moment. It could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at this level.

“I’m giving it the absolute best I’ve got to showcase my talent. You never know what could happen if you go and do something special.

“Hopefully one of those moments can be for me, a teammate – or all of us. You can’t write off that chance. If there’s one player I don’t want to be rested, it’s Romelu Lukaku. He’s been one of the world’s best strikers for years.

“After his interview about not being happy, I was wondering what might happen with him! Hopefully he stays in the side.

“I’d like to get his shirt but any of them would do because their squad is world class.

“But, to be honest, I’ve never really followed an English team because I’m a one-club man. I’ve always just supported Celtic.”

Miller’s departure from his boyhood heroes after a decade in May 2020 was tough to take.

His season had been destroyed by a torn cruciate ligament then coronavirus, rendering him unable to say personal farewells. Only now does he feel his career has picked up again, 15 months after a comeback for Harrogate Town then splitting last season with a Notts County spell.

Chesterfield boss James Rowe was intent on signing Miller after he starred for County against the Spireites in last year’s play-offs.

Miller, who played on loan for Ayr and Dundee while at Celts, said: “I signed for two years and it’s the right decision. We’re top of the league, unbeaten at home and have only lost once.

“The group is really close, we’ve got hunger to win this league and get to League Two.

“I’ve always seen myself as more of an attacking player and I’ve really developed at wing-back. I feel this is the best football I’ve played. At the start it was tough, leaving Celtic, coming to England after a bad injury.

“But I’ve had over a year playing and now I’m setting goals for myself. That means trying to move up the leagues and winning trophies.”

In all, Miller made five first-team outings for Celtic as a 19-year-old without conceding a goal.

But life for the Castlemilk kid had already changed forever in his teens by becoming a dad at the age of 17.

Miller said: “Olivia is six now and it was the best thing that could’ve happened to me.

“I felt it matured me and made me a better person. My fiancee Shannon and I have just had another baby girl, Mia.

“The kids are still based up in Glasgow. Any opportunity to get back, I do that. It’s hard work but family keeps me going.”

As soon as the Celtic action resumes, Miller admits he’ll keep a close eye on his old club’s title challenge.

Following that story has been a joy, particularly given the admission from Ralston that he’d all but given up on his Hoops career last summer.

Miller added: “I understand what Tony said. But he got one more chance thanks to a new manager – and he’s taken it.

“People started to believe in him and fans are on his side. I’ve been in the position of getting a couple of games then you’re in and out like he was.

“It’s difficult to show true form and consistency, the supporters can sometimes be quite harsh on you.

“We got to play for Celtic together. Those were great days. I still managed to achieve my childhood dream, so will cherish that forever.”