Hibs star Lewis Miller reacts to Australia’s opener as defender admits ’emotions took over’

Lewis Miller was on cloud nine on Thursday when he scored his debut goal for Australia to help his country to a comfortable win against China.

And the Hibs full-back admits he couldn’t contain the emotion that welled up after he drew level with the Socceroos just before half-time.

In just his sixth cap since his international debut in 2023, Miller started at right-back in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

His header got the Aussies back on track after falling behind in the 20th minute. Goals from Craig Goodwin and Nishan Velupillay sealed a much-needed 3-1 win.

Hibs full-back Miller ‘absolutely fired up’

In front of 47,000 fans at the Adelaide Oval, 24-year-old Hibee Miller thrilled with his first goal for Australia.

As quoted in the Edinburgh Evening News, he said: “You could see from my facial expressions on the pitch that I just let my emotions get the better of me.

“I was absolutely pumped to get my first international goal, hopefully the first of many.”

Miller talks position adjustment with Australia

Miller is a traditional Hibs right-back playing week in and week out in the Scottish Premiership under manager David Gray.

Chris Cadden plays ahead of him on the right side of midfield at Easter Road, but Miller explained that he is more of a full-back with Australia.

Socceroos boss Tony Popovic has changed the national team’s system and while Miller admits he is still adjusting to the new role, Australia will only get better with time.

Miller said: “I’m in a different role now, playing full-back, going up and down the pitch, which gives me a lot of time and space, a bit of freedom. I’ll adapt to that position and as let the boys adapt to this system, we will keep getting better.

“Obviously my goal at the end of the first half set the momentum for the second half. Then we just put our foot on the pedal and took over in the second half.

“The message at half-time was positive. We had been very good with the ball, dominating possession. We knew they would break eventually.

“There has been some familiarization with the new philosophy. But I think all the guys are really excited about the next chapter. This team is going to get better and better.”

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