Sbragia willing to let Miller join QPR on loan

SUNDERLAND boss Ricky Sbragia has confirmed that midfielder Liam Miller could be allowed to join QPR on loan until the end of the season.

The Black Cats have received an approach from the Coca-Cola Championship side for their 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international, and Sbragia may be prepared to let him leave the Stadium of Light on a temporary basis.

The Sunderland boss said: “There’s been some interest in Liam from QPR, so something might happen there.

“They have made an enquiry about him and we are just waiting to see the full extent of their interest.

“But it looks like it could be a loan. They have put a feeler out, certainly.”

Should the deal go through, Miller could have played his last game for Sunderland with his contract due to expire in the summer.

The former Celtic, Manchester United and Leeds man has made only four appearances for the Black Cats this season, the most recent of them as a substitute in the 4-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Bolton on November 29, which was to prove Roy Keane’s last game in charge.

He arrived on Wearside on the final day of the transfer window in August 2006 as then new boss Keane brought in six new signings.

Two of those men – Graham Kavanagh and Ross Wallace – left the club last week.

Miller has played 60 times for the Black Cats, but was transfer-listed by Keane in February last year for persistent lateness.

He eventually worked his way back into favour, although he struggled to command a place in the starting XI following the Irishman’s latest recruitment drive during the last close-season.

Meanwhile Kevin Kilbane’s move from Wigan to Barclays Premier League rivals Hull has edged a step closer after the player entered into talks with the Tigers.

The Republic of Ireland international, who is in the final six months of his contract, has found opportunities limited because of the form of Maynor Figueroa and Ryan Taylor on the left flank.

Kilbane, 32 next month, had hoped to earn a new deal but Wigan are prepared to let him leave in January for a small fee and the player was discussing the terms of a move to the KC Stadium yesterday.

Hull manager Phil Brown is keen to strengthen his squad after a run of just one win in 12 matches and yesterday revealed his move for Kilbane, having agreed a fee with West Ham for Luis Boa Morte.

“We said at the start of the season we wanted to flood the place with Premier League quality and both those players have it in abundance,” he said on Tuesday.

“To get that quality of player in to Hull City would be great for the football club.”

Brown hopes to have the Kilbane deal concluded in time for the player to be available for Saturday’s match at home to Arsenal.