TOMMY Miller will miss Ipswich Town's first pre-season game of the season when they travel to Peterborough United on Saturday, writes Derek Davis.There is an outside chance his place will be taken by a new signing as Joe Royle is locked in talks with a midfielder.

TOMMY Miller will miss Ipswich Town's first pre-season game of the season when they travel to Peterborough United on Saturday, writes Derek Davis.

There is an outside chance his place will be taken by a new signing as Joe Royle is locked in talks with a midfielder.

The Blues boss is keeping the identity of the new target close to his chest but he is someone who is not out of contract and has not been linked with Town before.

Royle said: "Talks are progressing well and something could happen before the weekend but we will see."

A second signing could follow towards the end of the month as Town go after an attacking midfielder as well as a defensive man for the holding role.

Scotland international-in-waiting Miller needs one more week without physical contact after recovering from dental treatment.

Miller had to have his jaw broken and reset to deal with a long and painful problem which caused him a lot of trouble in the latter part of the season.

The 25-year-old, who signed from Hartlepool, has been taking part in all the pre-season fitness work and is expected to be fit to play next week in Denmark.

Royle last night said: "We will be without Tommy, who has been advised by the specialist to avoid physical contact for another week."

Matt Richards has struggled with a knee injury this week but is expected to be fit.

Meanwhile, Alun Armstrong, who has been training with Town even though he is out of contract, has attracted interest from Portuguese side Beira Mar, who play in Aveiro and are coached by former Colchester United boss Mick Wadsworth.

Doncaster and Hull City have also asked about the striker, while the U's were keen on him but have since cooled.

Town will take a 17-man squad to London Road after being told a UEFA crackdown has meant they can not make wholesale changes at half time.

The measures were taken to stop the likes of Sven-Goran Eriksson changing all 11 players at half time during friendlies.

n Two of Ipswich Town fixtures have been subject to change.

The Blues will now entertain Millwall on Sunday, September 12, at 1pm instead of the day before as the game will be shown on Sky TV.

The home game with Wolves on Bank Holiday Monday, August 30 has been switched from a 3pm kick-off until 7.45pm but is not being shown live on television.