TOMMY Miller last night admitted the prospect of playing for Scotland in a World Cup did appeal - but he would still prefer to wear the Three Lions of England.

TOMMY Miller last night admitted the prospect of playing for Scotland in a World Cup did appeal - but he would still prefer to wear the Three Lions of England.

The Durham-born midfielder accepted that him playing for either country was still a long shot, but welcomed the interest.

Miller told me last night: “If it comes, it comes, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I have heard nothing although it would be nice.

“You see what it did for Matt Holland. I'm not sure how Irish he really is but he played and scored in the World Cup, and he loved playing for them.”

The 24-year old qualifies for Scotland via his paternal grandmother, Tamalia Nancy McNally, who hails from Kirkcaldy.

He said: “She is a real proper Scottish lass, although she lives in County Durham now. I have to admit if I had the choice I would prefer the white of England to the blue of Scotland but the chances of that are even further off.”

The Ipswich Town official website first revealed that Town coach Willie Donachie had recommended that Scotland scouts should take a look at Miller and that he had been watched on Tuesday night against Kidderminster Harriers.

But he was not among the 24-man squad named by Bertie Vogts yesterday for the friendly against Norway next week. The Scots then meet the Faroe Islands and Germany next month.

Miller will start in midfield for Town against Crewe Alexandra tomorrow with skipper Jim Magilton expected to have recovered from a hamstring injury.

But it is not such good news for Marcus Bent, who pulled up in the 1-0 win over Kidderminster on Wednesday and is doubtful for tomorrow's trip.

His absence could pave the way for Dean Bowditch to make his first senior start for the club after grabbing his first goal on Wednesday, although Blues boss Joe Royle may be tempted to stick with the combination of Darren Bent and Pablo Counago.

Georges Santos, who celebrates his 33rd birthday today, has shown he can settle into midfield or step into the back four with equal ease.

n Ipswich Town's home league match against Stoke City will be televised live on Sky TV. The game will now kick off at 5.35pm on Saturday, October 18.