A LEANER, meaner Tommy Miller is looking to put his summer agony behind him and get back to playing tonight when Ipswich Town start their pre-season trip against Randers FC.

A LEANER, meaner Tommy Miller is looking to put his summer agony behind him and get back to playing tonight when Ipswich Town start their pre-season trip against Randers FC.

The Scotland international-in-waiting has recovered after having his jaw broken and then re-set to solve a dental problem and losing more than seven pounds in weight during recuperation.

Miller was forced to suck milk-shakes and soup through a straw during the painful post-operation period and spent his summer holiday in Spain wired up.

But the re-alignment appears to have worked and the 25-year-old will soon have braces removed which, in turn, will help rid him of painful mouth ulcers. Midfielder Miller missed out on Saturday's 2-1 win at Peterborough as he needed a few more days without physical contact, but he has been given the all-clear by a consultant surgeon to play tonight.

Never one to look unfit, Miller admitted he had to work to put back the half a stone he lost.

He said: "As soon as a I could I was tucking into the steaks. It is coming back slowly but I still need to build up a little. I'm looking forward to getting a game under my belt as it is never the same when you are just training. I had to sit out on Saturday but I'm feeling good and ready to play."

To compound matters, Miller picked up a heel injury in training, but he is determined not to let that prevent him starting against the Danish Super Liga side.

The only slight problem could be a lack of footwear after the boots of the whole 20-man squad failed to make the flight from London Heathrow to Copenhagen. The players are hoping they will arrive some time today in time for kick-off, if not a local sports shop owner will be rubbing his hands with glee.

Miller will be among a number of changes in the starting line-up, with Scott Mitchell and Scott Barron expected to be there from the kick-off.

New signings Jason De Vos and Kevin Horlock will be involved as will triallist Mark Rivers.

Blues boss Joe Royle admits working at set-pieces will remain a priority in training but he insists at this stage of the season fitness is the main plus he is looking for.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk