TOMMY Miller last night revealed how a trip to an Ipswich jewellers spawned the newest goal celebration at Portman Road.The omens were all there for Miller to grab his first goal in 10 games and he obliged in the Blues' 3-0 win over Preston.

By Derek Davis

TOMMY Miller last night revealed how a trip to an Ipswich jewellers spawned the newest goal celebration at Portman Road.

The omens were all there for Miller to grab his first goal in 10 games and he obliged in the Blues' 3-0 win over Preston.

The Town midfielder has now netted five times in four games against the Lilywhites, for Ipswich and Hartlepool, and everything else pointed to him adding to his tally - including a trip to jewellers Preston and Duckworth.

Miller told the EADT: “I scored against Preston last season and I got three in two games against them when I was at Hartlepool so they are always a team I can get goals against.

“I fancied myself to score this time. I had new boots and the feeling was new boots - new start - get a goal. And it worked.”

There was another Preston connection which sparked the goal celebration between Miller and fellow scorer Shefki Kuqi.

Although North End manager Billy Davies thought the tapping on the wrists by the players was to show a handball in the build up to the first goal - he could not have been more wrong.

Miller revealed: “Shefki was a bit slow doing his but it came about when we were in Preston and Duckworth looking at watches and a guy in there asked us to do a goal celebration, so we did.”

His fifth goal of the season came on the stroke of half-time after Kuqi had put Town one up. Darren Bent rounded the game off in the second half.

It was Miller's first goal in two months after hitting four in five games during August.

He also scorned a first half chance when he fired straight at keeper Gavin Ward.

Miller said: “Not scoring for so long has been playing on my mind a bit so I was delighted to get a goal.

“I should have scored earlier on but I had my head down and didn't really look at the goal. Perhaps I could have taken a touch more and put it wide of him.”

The day was spoiled a little for Miller with a calf injury, which may keep him out of tomorrow's home game against promotion rivals Sheffield United.

He said: “I got a kick on the calf after about five minutes and perhaps I should have come off at half time as I was struggling. I tried to run it off but it was no good.

“Hopefully I will be alright for Tuesday's game after treatment.”

Miller paid tribute to the whole side after their most convincing win of the season so far.

He said: “Preston had a few chances, especially towards the end, but we kept a clean sheet so I was delighted for Lewis Price. Richard Naylor at the back and Ian Westlake in midfield for me were outstanding but it was a great team effort.”

Seventh-placed United arrive at Portman Road tomorrow with manager Neil Warnock banished to the stands after his sending off at Nottingham Forest.

Miller appreciates the Blades will be difficult opposition but added: “They are a good side but we are confident against anyone at home and hopefully we can follow this good win over Preston when we are up against Sheffield United.”

Town will be without Fabian Wilnis who has a strained hamstring so Matt Richards will drop into the left back role.

If Miller fails to make it, or if Jim Magilton's sore knee is not up to it, then Town have the option of playing three up front.