SAFC 10 YEARS AGO: Miller keen to play part in promotion campaign

Here's what the Echo was reporting on SAFC 10 years ago.

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Miller keen to play in promotion campaign

TOMMY MILLER prays he may yet have a part to play in Sunderland’s promotion bid.

The midfielder came in from the cold when he was included on the bench for Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Derby at the weekend.

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Though he didn’t get on the pitch, it was still a relief to the Shotton Colliery playmaker after seven months in the shadows.

Miller’s last game for the Black Cats was their 3-2 home loss to Plymouth on August 12. He said: “It was great to be back around the first team again.

“I’ve had my problems with injuries and I went out to Preston on loan, of course, but otherwise this was the first time I’ve been around the first team since we lost to Plymouth.

“It’s not been the easiest time. It’s been frustrating, but it’s not my style to go banging on the gaffer’s door asking questions.

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“If I’m involved in games, then great. If not, then I get my head down and get on with it.

“The lads have been doing so well that I couldn’t really kick up too much of a fuss.”

Miller – a Bosman signing from Ipswich in June 2005 – is out of contract at the end of this season and destined to leave Wearside.

Ipswich showed an interest in taking him back to Suffolk on loan earlier this season and Preston also inquired about a second spell at Deepdale.

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But the January transfer window closed without any further development and the 28-year-old shook off an ankle injury to score twice for the reserves against Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic two weeks ago.

Miller said: “The gaffer’s got me back involved training with the first team lads and I think I’ve done quite well when I played for the reserves.

“Dean Whitehead was suspended against Derby so I expect he’ll be back involved against West Brom at the weekend.

“I’d love to get a game or two under my belt before the season finishes. It’s a squad game and you never know what’s round the corner.

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“I wouldn’t wish any bad luck of any of the lads, but if the gaffer feels he needs me then I’ll do everything I can to help the club.

“It would be good to be involved in a positive end to the season after everything that happened last season.”

Miller played 29 Premiership games for Sunderland last season as the club was relegated with only 15 points.