Kilmarnock sign Lee Miller

The striker returns to Scotland to join Killie on a two-year deal. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

KILMARNOCK spent little time dwelling over the departure of Kris Boyd as they snapped up former Aberdeen striker Lee Miller on a two-year contract.

The 30-year old is the club’s third signing of the summer – the second in two days after Paul Cairney joined yesterday - and the length of the deal would indicate that manager Allan Johnston sees the player as a direct replacement for Boyd, who left for Rangers late last week.

Having netted just over 100 league goals in a 13 year career it’s doubtful whether Miller will replace the goal input of the former talisman, but Johnston will be hoping his experience, technique and physicality can be a valuable asset as Kilmarnock look to complete another successful fight against relegation in the upcoming campaign.

Miller started his career at Falkirk and showed enough promise to convince Bristol City to part with a six figure sum for his services.

He struggled at Ashton Gate but had his career revived by a six month loan spell at Hearts where he bagged eight league goals in 18 games – most notably an absolute stunner against Kilmarnock, ironically enough.

When Hearts couldn’t make the deal permanent Dundee United stepped in, buying Miller for £200,000. On a poor United side he didn’t make much of an impact but things changed when he joined Aberdeen a year later.

For four years he successfully led the line at Pittodrie and was one of the many Dons heroes who played a part in the club’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in 2008. He also received three caps for Scotland during the time.

His form was so good that it persuaded Middlesborough to part with £600,000 for his transfer in 2010. A disappointing season followed but he landed on his feet once more with Carlisle, spending three seasons in League One before his release this summer.