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Lennon Miller was hailed as a ‘great talent’ by his head coach at Udinese after scoring on his first start to set up a mouthwatering Coppa Italia tie with Juventus.
The 19-year-old Scotland international headed his side’s second goal and delivered a fine all-round performance in a 2-1 victory over Palermo amid pouring rain in Udine.
Three days after coming off the bench to make his debut in a Serie A defeat to AC Milan, Miller featured from the outside for the midweek visit of Pippo Inzaghi’s Serie B co-leaders.
The teenager had to bide his time to be given an opportunity by boss Kosta Runjaic after making a summer switch from Motherwell, but seized it with both hands when it came to impressing the German.
‘Miller is a great talent and he’s starting to show us what he can do,’ said Runjaic. ‘He has great technical and running abilities, he plays very well with the ball at his feet and today he was in the right place to score.
‘You don’t focus on only one phase though; you focus on everything. And, in my opinion, Miller can cover many positions on the pitch: holding midfielder, central midfielder and even as a No 10 with his vision.’
Lennon Miller delivered a fine performance on his first start for Udinese against Palmermo
Former Motherwell teenager Miller puts the ball in the net to make it 2-0 in the Coppa Italia
After making his bow against a star-studded Milan side featuring former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric on Saturday, Tuesday’s encounter was an altogether different experience for the young Scot.
Three of the four stands at the Bluenergy Stadium were empty, with the locals seemingly not overly tempted by the prospect of a 6.30pm cup tie against lower-league opposition.
However, Palermo are among the strongest sides in the second tier and travelled to the north-east backed by a buoyant support while harbouring genuine hopes of an upset.
Operating in a roaming role from the left of a central midfield three in a 3-5-2 formation, Miller quickly demonstrated his determination to dash Palermo’s hopes.
After just three minutes, the teenager exchanged slick passes with fellow full debutant Nicolo Zaniolo to glide into the opposition box, but his chipped finish was blocked by the arm of goalkeeper Jesse Joronen.
It proved to be a sign of things to come as the pair provided a one-two punch in the space of four minutes late in the first half to leave the Sicilians with a mountain to climb.
Former Aston Villa, Roma and Galatasaray winger Zaniolo cut inside and curled in the opener from the edge of the box, a deflection helping guide his shot into the net.
A few minutes later, Miller found himself in the right place at the right time when Joronen’s parry cannoned into his path for a simple headed finish from 12 yards.
Scotland international Miller is congratulated after securing a tie with Juventus in next round
Miller produced a display of great poise and promise for the Serie A side on Tuesday night
The Scottish youngster's eye-catching performance earned praise from boss Kosta Runjaic
The home supporters roared his name and applauded the teenager when he was replaced with 20 minutes to go.
‘The boss asked me to play more offensively and today I scored, so I hope there will be more chances to do that,’ said Miller.
‘We have a lot of good players, especially in midfield, and I’m trying to learn from them. I’m young and have a lot to learn. I want to show the coach that I’m ready to play every week.’
Victory sealed a place in the last 16, where Udinese will face Juve in Turin in December.
It also continued a strong start to the season for Miller’s new club, who have won three of their last four games, including a stunning 2-1 victory away to Inter.
