Source: Team_Talk
Miller targets Europe with Hibees
It has been four and a half years since Republic of Ireland midfielder Miller last played competitively against a club from the continent.[LNB]Until recently, it looked a foregone conclusion that the 28-year-old would be making his Europa League debut next season, with Hibs flying high in the SPL.[LNB]But one point from the last three games has seen them lose their top-three spot to Dundee United, while arch-rivals Hearts have closed the gap on fourth - the division's final qualification place.[LNB]Former Celtic and Manchester United starlet Miller therefore knows it is vital Hibs return to winning ways against Hamilton on Saturday.[LNB]"It's a big three points for us,"he said.[LNB]"We know we need to win the game to keep the pressure on United and the boys at the top."[LNB]Miller last played in Europe when he came off the bench in Manchester United's 3-0 Champions League win at Debrecen in August 2005.[LNB]"It would be great to finish third and obviously have the Europa League," he added.[LNB]"We'll see what happens.[LNB]"It would be great for the club and hopefully we can achieve that."[LNB]But Miller admits Europe was not the first thing on his mind when he joined Hibs in September following his release from QPR.[LNB]"I think the main thing was the league,"he said.[LNB]"Having said that, there are still a lot games to be played and I think third spot is still a realistic one."[LNB]In fact, Miller believes Hibs are perfectly set up to qualify for Europe season after season.[LNB]"I don't see why not,"he said.[LNB]"You look at the facilities and the stadium, and obviously the manager they have here now, and they've got everything on board really.[LNB]"The squad's decent as well so I don't see, personally, why not.[LNB]"I'm sure that's where the manager wants to take it."[LNB]Boss John Hughes - who was today linked with a move for Preston defender Michael Hart - was one of the reasons Miller elected to try to resurrect his faltering career at Easter Road.[LNB]"I didn't know him but I knew of him through a friend and he had really good things to say about him,"he said.[LNB]"Having seen that first hand now, I'm just really pleased I came."[LNB]He added: "I'm obviously playing every week over here, great bunch of lads, I enjoy playing for the manager and he's got a great set of staff there as well.[LNB]"So, personally, I've really enjoyed it."[LNB]Miller insists it was not inevitable Hibs would suffer a blip after going on a 12-match unbeaten run in the SPL.[LNB]That sequence began after they lost 2-0 at Hamilton in September, which infuriated Hughes.[LNB]Miller said: "It was a tough game that day.[LNB]"Obviously, we didn't play well and we got punished.[LNB]"We'll just have to make sure that doesn't happen on Saturday."[LNB]Asked if revenge would be a motivating factor tomorrow, Miller replied."Of course - it wasn't nice losing to them.[LNB]"But we have a chance to turn that around now at home and hopefully we'll take advantage."[LNB][LNB]
