Celtic striker Kenny Miller said he gave up the chance of a hat-trick to help seal the 3-0 Champions League win over Benfica. The former Rangers forward scored twice in 10 minutes on Tuesday before playing a part in substitute Stephen Pearson s third goal with a cute back-heel to Shunsuke Nakamura in the 90th minute.
I had a chance but thought Naka was in a better position, Miller told reporters.
I thought about shooting. If it (the hat-trick) had come along then great but I am not bothered as long as we win.
Miller said the home victory had put second-placed Celtic on target to qualify from Group F.
This puts us in a strong position, with a five-point gap over the bottom two (Benfica and FC Copenhagen).
It s another big win for us and personally, to get the goals, I m delighted. Everyone worked hard for each other all over the pitch and fortunately the chances fell my way.
Pearson had been on the field for only two minutes when he thundered in a volley after Benfica keeper Quim parried a shot from Japanese midfielder Nakamura.
It was great to get on and play a part in it and scoring was a great bonus, said Pearson.
I just came on to try and see the game out and didn t expect to score.
Celtic, three points behind group leaders Manchester United, play Benfica in Lisbon in two weeks time.
That s us on six points and United on nine so we ve given ourselves a chance of qualifying, said Pearson. But there are more difficult games to come.
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