Tommy Miller was gearing up for some belated New Year celebrations after netting the 50th goal of his career.

The Ipswich Town midfielder was the two-goal hero of yesterday's 4-1 success against Millwall at Portman Road.

And his double salvo - a sizzling 20-yarder and a cool penalty - took his career tally up to the half-ton mark.

Having hit 44 for former club Hartlepool, Miller registered his 49th and 50th goals and told the Evening Gazette: "It was a really special day for me, especially as I was a big injury doubt leading up to the game.

"I'm tired and my knee is sore, but I was determined to play and wanted to stay on for the second half.

"I was really chuffed with my goals, especially as they were my first ever in front of the North Stand.

"I just walloped the first one and thankfully it flew into the top corner."

Miller was one of three players desperate to take the penalty - awarded for a foul on Darren Ambrose - but the final word rested with skipper Matt Holland.

"Darren wanted to take it and so did Marcus Bent," said Miller.

"But I held onto the ball because I felt confident I've never missed a penalty in my professional career.

"It was a tidy, low finish and that capped a great day for me and the team."

Published Thursday, January 2, 2003

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