Darlington manager Dave Penney has revealed he has spoken to Jim Magilton regarding making defender Ian Miller's loan move to the Quakers a permanent switch. Miller's second spell with the League Two side is up at the start of January.

The former Bury Town man has made only four starts and six substitute appearances since deciding to rejoin the Quakers, with whom he spent a month last season, ahead of Terry Butcher's Brentford in the summer.

Penney says that despite his lack of involvement, Miller is happy with the North-East club: “He likes it at Darlington but he wants to play first and foremost.

"I'd like to keep him permanently and we've had initial talks, but it hasn't gone much further. I've had a chat with Jim, but that's as far as it's gone.

"He's been frustrated at not playing. We've had chats about the situation; he hasn't come here to sit on the bench. He's a bright boy and he understands the situation, he's bound to get frustrated. Ian's not daft, he understands.

"I've spoken to Jim and he's given me a bit of stick but he understands. We're on to a different level now compared to last season.

“Ian's just got to keep himself fit and ready because if Alan [White] or Steven [Foster] become injured, suspended or lose form, then Ian would be back in the team.

"He's just got to bide his time, train well and keep himself match fit so that when he does come into the team he doesn't let anyone down."

Miller, 24 later this month, signed a new one-year deal with the Blues in the summer.

Meanwhile, Alex Bruce was an unused sub as the Republic of Ireland drew 2-2 with Wales in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.

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