Two-goal hero Tommy Miller hailed his performance and strikes against Millwall as the perfect end to an excellent Christmas.

Miller was clearly very chuffed after the Blues' 4-1 win: "This caps a perfect Christmas. It was a really special day for me, especially as I was a big injury doubt leading up to the game," he told the Colchester Gazette.

"I'm tired and my knee is sore, but I was determined to play and wanted to stay on for the second half.

"I had an ice-pack on my knee at half-time and the manager asked if I could carry on. Now I'm glad I said yes.

"I was really chuffed with my goals, especially as they were my first ever in front of the North Stand.

"I just walloped the first one and thankfully it flew into the top corner."

Miller's second from the spot came after a number of Town players battled for the right to take the kick: "Darren [Ambrose] wanted to take it and so did Marcus Bent.

"But I held onto the ball because I felt confident. I've never missed a penalty in my professional career.

"It was a tidy, low finish and that capped a great day for me and the team."

Ambrose had won the kick and was clearly very keen to score his tenth goal of the season: "I won the spot-kick and I was determined to take it."

He says he was trying to teach a friend of his a lesson: "Darren Bent's a big mate and I wanted to show him how to take a penalty."

Darren Bent missed from the spot against Norwich earlier in the season while Marcus Bent scored one in the away leg of the UEFA Cup tie with FK Sartid.

Photo: Action Images

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