Former Celtic footballer Liam Miller is 'battling hard' against cancer, according to his ex-team-mate John Hartson.

The pair played together between 2001 and 2004 before Miller left Celtic to join Manchester United .

Hartson gave an update on the Irishman's battle with the disease on Twitter.

He tweeted: "Just off the phone to Liam Miller.. he has a big fight on his hands, and is feeling determined and battling hard through this horrible period of his life."

"We send him our prayers and strength, and hope that Liam can get back to a normal way of life."

Miller, 36, who made 26 appearances for Celtic, scoring two goals, is believed to be back home in Cork.

The Irishman was highly rated by then Hoops manager Martin O’Neill, who lost out on him to Manchester United, where he spent two seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He also played for Leeds, Hibs and Queen’s Park Rangers. He last played in the US Major Soccer League for Wilmington Hammerheads last year.

It was claimed by one authoritative source on social media that he had recently been in the US for chemotherapy.

Hartson underwent successful treatment for testicular cancer in 2009, and continues to raise money to help support people affected by the disease.