Gold Coast United attacker Tom Miller making most of second crack at NPL

WHEN former Brisbane Roar Youth star Tom Miller arrived at Gold Coast United late last year, he knew he had a battle on his hands.

WHEN Tom Miller arrived at Gold Coast United late last year, he knew he had a battle on his hands.

While the pedigree of the former Brisbane Roar Youth and Gold Coast City attacker was not in question, a season spent with Palm Beach in the Gold Coast Premier League had left him out of the NPL loop.

But after five games on the bench to start the season, the 20-year-old Alstonville product has emerged as a key piece of United’s finals puzzle, highlighted by a maiden goal against Western Pride earlier this month.

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All but locked in for an eighth-straight starting appearance away to Sunshine Coast on Sunday, Miller never doubted he could make an impact at his new club.

“I looked around (when I signed) and saw there was a lot of talent but I was confident I could break in and play a role, especially with the way we play. Kristian likes to keep the ball but when you need to, use a bit of pace,” Miller, who has been largely deployed on the right wing, said.

Gold Coast United attacker Tom Miller. Picture: East End Digital

“I quite like it out (wide). I like to make things happen and create opportunity for teammates, plus allows me the chance to get on the scoresheet as well.

“It took me a while to get myself into the side and even now I’m trying to string some good performances together because I definitely haven’t played up to my own expectations. I just want to help the team.

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“I think we have probably exceeded a lot of people’s expectations about what we could do. We knew we could achieve this level but it’s probably come as a surprise to a few others.

“You look at the (Gold Coast) Knights and some other NPL teams around and the majority of their teams have been together a while but majority of us have come from elsewhere. I think we’ve done pretty well.”

After losing some of his passion for the game with the Roar, Miller said his stints with United and Palm Beach had him reinvigorated.

“You have always got aspirations to go forward (and play higher) but I have had a bit of time at that level so I have ticked that box in one way,” he said.

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“At the moment I’m just trying to do my best for United and take it as it comes. I wouldn’t say football has taken a back seat but I’m just playing for enjoyment and if there’s opportunities to go forward I will jump at it.”

Not seen in the NPL since downing Western Pride 3-1 at the start of the month, fifth-placed United are coming off a 5-2 FFA Cup loss to Brisbane City on April 9.

The Knights, who sit third, flexed their muscle with a 6-1 thumping of Brisbane Strikers on Monday night.

WEEKEND NPL FIXTURES

Men’s Round 13:

■ Saturday 6.30pm - Gold Coast Knights vs. Brisbane Roar Youth at Croatian Sports Centre

■ Sunday 4pm - Sunshine Coast vs. Gold Coast United at Kawana Sports Precinct

Women’s Round 11:

■ Saturday 4pm - Gold Coast United vs. Western Pride at Coplick Family Sports Park