WITH Paul Brush and Orient fans alike waiting in anticipation to see if Justin Miller is ready to commit himself to the east Londoners, the South African born defender gave Guardian Sport some encouraging signs that he might just be ready to sign a long term contract with the club.

Miller, 22, who has already spent a successful three-month loan spell with the O's this season, last week discovered he was surplus to requirements at Ipswich Town and while he is contracted to the Tractor Boys until the end of the season he has been given permission by manager Joe Royle the early opportunity of finding a new club.

But while the cultured centre half had encouraging talks with Brush and Barry Hearn before Tuesday night's game with Cambridge, he has admitted that there interest from other parties, believed to be Hartlepool, Bournemouth and Carlisle.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, he said: "The talks with Orient went well, but there are still one or two other clubs interested in signing me.

"So I have got to sit down with my agent and weigh up my options, because it is not just a case of joining someone because it is the easiest thing to do.

"But having been at Orient already and the fact I'm based in the area anyway is a bonus and I have to admit that they are one of the favourites.

"It is a great little club and I would have no problems going back and they have offered me a two-and-a-half year contract, which shows their commitment.

"So I hope to come back to them with my decision within the next three or four days."

Miller also highlighted the signing of Gary Alexander, as proof of the club's ambition to get out of Division Three and one that could also work in the O's favour in capturing his signature.

He added: "They have just brought in a new striker and speaking to Barry Hearn this week he told me he wants the club to go places.

"You always want to join a club who are looking to improve the squad because there is no point joining one who are not willing to do that."

January 30, 2003 10:30