Town boss glad Miller missed out

BLUES boss Joe Royle last night spoke of his relief at Scotland's decision not to call up Tommy Miller and hailed the midfielder's recent performances, writes Derek Davis.

There were mixed fortunes on the international front for Town stars and Royle still faces a dilemma with Dean Bowditch called up for England.

Miller was omitted from the Scotland squad to face Romania but that could be a blessing in disguise for Ipswich as he will be fresh for the crucial clash against second-from-top West Bromwich Albion.

Royle said: “We have to take the amount of first-team games Dean is now playing into consideration and will talk to England.

“As for Tommy I'm quietly pleased he was not picked on this occasion. Tommy has been a revelation the last few games and the Tommy we are seeing now is the improvement on the Tommy we saw at the end of last season, which we have wanted all season.

“He has been looking at me sideways asking why he has not been a regular but his form now explains why. Because his form earlier this season was not as it is now. He is now playing like an international - but don't tell Scotland.”

Shefki Kuqi has been called up by Finland for their friendly with Malta in Valetta next week and Royle believes the break could benefit everyone.

The Kosovan-born striker was enjoying a terrific run of form, scoring five goals in seven games, but he was substituted in the 4-2 defeat at Burnley, missed the 2-0 win over Preston due to suspension and was taken off in the next three games as he struggled to make an impact.

Royle will stick with Bent and Bowditch at Wimbledon and Kuqi will fly out on Sunday with his blessing.

He said: “Shefki has been fantastic. The big fellah has had a little dip in form so going off with his country would almost do him good.”

Norwich City's Malky Mackay, who was strongly tipped in Scotland for a call-up, was also left out of Bertie Vogts' squad.