TOMMY Miller was so convinced he was returning to Ipswich Town on loan he knocked back the chance to join Colchester United.Miller last night exclusively revealed to the EADT the background to one of the most protracted moves that still never came off.

By Derek Davis

TOMMY Miller was so convinced he was returning to Ipswich Town on loan he knocked back the chance to join Colchester United.

Miller last night exclusively revealed to the EADT the background to one of the most protracted moves that still never came off.

The Sunderland midfielder was even at Portman Road on Saturday watching the Blues lose 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday thinking he might be joining his old team-mates once again.

But the proposed move collapsed when Jim Magilton told him that he was looking to use his emergency loan allocation to bring in a goalkeeper - and so Miller joined Preston instead.

Miller said: “ I thought I was all set to go to Ipswich but it fell through at the last minute. Jim called me and explained the situation so the deal didn't happen.

“Preston came in straight away and I have gone there but it was not a case of me turning down Ipswich.

“I know Paul Simpson a little after playing against him when I was at Hartlepool and I'm looking forward to working with him at Preston, who are doing really well.”

A number of clubs had expressed an interest in taking Miller on loan as he has not been involved at Sunderland this season.

His old bosses Mick McCarthy and George Burley had wanted to take him to Wolves and Southampton respectively, while Geraint Williams at Colchester was also keen before he signed Manchester United's Ritchie Jones.

Miller said: “I know George (Williams) anyway and we also bumped into each other on holiday. He called recently to ask what the situation was but I thought I was going to Ipswich so it didn't happen.”

The 27-year-old was disappointed that Roy Keane did not give him an opportunity to shine at the Stadium of Light and admits he is short of match fitness going to Deepdale.

He said: “I never got a look-in under Roy. who brought his own players in. That is understandable and we will see what happens in January when I go back.

“I played in half a reserve game earlier in the week but other than that I'm short of games. I know I won't just walk into the Preston side. They are flying and the lads are doing well but the more minutes I get the better I will be.”

Miller could make his Preston debut on Saturday when they travel to Leicester City.