TWO-goal hero Tommy Miller hailed Pablo Counago's strike and spoke of his delight at the Spaniard's conquest, writes Derek Davis.Man of the Match Miller had put the game out of sight for Crewe when he added his two second-half goals to strikes from Shefki Kuqi and Jim Magilton.

TWO-goal hero Tommy Miller hailed Pablo Counago's strike and spoke of his delight at the Spaniard's conquest, writes Derek Davis.

Man of the Match Miller had put the game out of sight for Crewe when he added his two second-half goals to strikes from Shefki Kuqi and Jim Magilton.

Counago's 82nd-minute wonder goal rounded things off for Town, although David Vaughan snatched a late Crewe consolation.

Miller said: "It was a brilliant goal. He took it so well. I have been saying for a long time that Pablo is a very talented player and it is a shame that things have not worked out for him the way he would have liked.

"But it is great that he has scored in what could be his last game at Portman Road."

If Town fail at Brighton on Sunday, Counago could get another chance to shine in Suffolk with the second leg of play-offs in 10 days' time.

Counago was also delighted that he could sign off his Portman Road career with a goal for the supporters who have offered him tremendous backing in the dark days of this season.

He said: "It has been great for me to be playing again, and to score was something special.

"The supporters have been wonderful for me and to hear them when I scored was fantastic."

Although Miller is also out of contract in the summer it is highly likely he will be back next season and looking for another 15-goal haul.

His brace took him off the dreaded 13 and to a personal milestone.

He said: "The 15 goals was my target. Some people said I was being unrealistic when I set it but I was confident, especially as the penalty taker."

Only six of his goals this season have come from the spot, and Miller has carried on his record of having never missed.

His two goals against Crewe were both excellent efforts from outside of the box but it was his all-round game that won him the plaudits, although Miller still rates his display in the 6-0 win over now-relegated Nottingham Forest as the best of the season.

He said: "I was happy with the way I played but it was probably not my best game of the season; Forest was probably better for me personally and possibly the team as well."

Miller admitted to some pre-match nerves after seeing Wigan draw at Preston, but all the fears were soon dispelled.

He said: "Seeing Wigan get a draw at Preston did put a little more pressure on us but we coped very well and started like a house on fire.

"We have conceded some silly goals this season so even though we weren't in much danger we had to be careful.

"The third goal early in the second half settled us down and we went from strength to strength."

That third goal – by Miller – was celebrated by some 'dad-dancing' as a tribute to team-mate James Scowcroft, while the fourth saw a return of the overhead 'easy' hand-clapping.

Town will be hoping they can say adios to the Championship next Sunday and the whole repertoire of celebrations will be used.

derekdavis@eadt.co.uk