Miller desperate for another Euro adventure with Saints next term

GARY Miller is aiming to push St Johnstone to a third consecutive European qualification – and give himself a chance of being there to enjoy it.

The full-back is out of contract in the summer and in the dark over his future, but he boosted his chances of a new deal when he helped Saints to a 2-0 win over Dundee last weekend in his first start since January.

That pushed them above Dundee United and into fourth spot in the Premiership and they can cut the gap on third-placed Inverness to one point when they host Caley Thistle today.

Miller said: “I haven’t a clue what’s happening. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully something happens, whether I get offered something here or somewhere else and take it from there.

“I signed my contract last year at the end of May, so that’s just how it is these days. Everyone is waiting to see where they finish so I just need to take it from there.

“Obviously we are chasing to stay ahead of United and catch Caley. If we can get a win on Saturday then that puts us on better ground. There were a few spells when we were just trying to make sure we were top six, but now we are up to fourth and Saturday is a big game.”

Third spot would guarantee a Europa League place, while fourth could be enough if Inverness win the cup, and Miller is eager to sample more action abroad.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant,” the 28-year-old said. “Going to Rosenberg and going to Switzerland to play Luzern has been brilliant. It’s always good and to qualify again would be brilliant, obviously if I’m here.”

Inverness midfielder Nick Ross admits he will be playing for a William Hill Scottish Cup final place as well as Premiership points today.

Inverness have five league fixtures left before their 30 May Hampden date against Falkirk and begin with a trip to Perth. With fellow midfielder Ross Draper suspended for the match, Ross believes today is the perfect opportunity for him to lay claim to a final spot – if he is picked as Draper’s replacement.

“There’s a lot of places up for grabs in the final. I’ve played the last game and I might play this weekend,” the former Scotland Under-21 cap said.

“Draper is out suspended so whoever comes in has got a chance to stake their place for playing in the final. Whoever comes in has to take their chance.”

Caley Thistle have struggled on their travels to Mcdiarmid Park, winning just one of their last seven games in Perth. In contrast, they have won their last four home fixtures against Saints, with 2-1 and 2-0 victories respectively for the Caley Jags this season.

Ross added: “It is a tough game when we play down there. We never seem to play too well down there but we have played them at home a few times and we have beaten them so we can take that positive going in.”

If Inverness qualify for Europe through the league rather than the cup they will enter in the first qualifying round and open their season on 2 July.