TOMMY Miller will tomorrow begin his pre-season training programme a week early - in Norway.

Hartlepool midfielder Miller yesterday landed in the Norwegian coastal town of Bergen to begin an intensive two-week training spell with the Eliteserien side.

Miller, who netted 21 goals from midfield last season, will be watching from the stands at the Brann Stadium tonight as guest of honour when Brann take on junior side Nest-Sotra in the third round of the Norwegian Cup and will team up with his new training partners tomorrow morning.

Pool don't return to training until next week and Pool boss Chris Turner is keen for his prize asset to spend time in Norway alongside players of international stature.

Miller said: "It's nice to be here in Norway. I've been here before with Pools last summer so I know all about it. I'm here for a couple of weeks to train and I'm looking forward to it all.''

Brann's proposal to take the 22-year-old was revealed in Northern Echo Sport on Thursday, June 14 after Norwegian chiefs hoped Miller could play a part in their bid to steer a passage through the qualifying rounds of the Champions' League.

That plan was scuppered by UEFA regulations stipulating any transfer must be for a minimum of three months, but the free-scoring midfielder will now team up with the crack Norwegian outfit for a two-week training period.

Pool have close links with Brann though owners IOR Ltd and Miller's arrival is seen as a further way of establishing a good relationship between the clubs.

Miller flew out from Newcastle yesterday with Pool midfielder Brian Ross and was met by injured Pool midfielder Thomas Tennebo.

Teenager Ross is joining first division Fana - a club part-owned by IOR - for a three-month period afgter signing a two-year deal at Victoria Park. He will play for Fana alongside Tim Sperrevik, the giant striker who spent last season at Pool, and has been loaned back to his former club for the summer.

Pool last night confirmed they will face Fana on Saturday, July 21 (6pm) and Brann on Monday, July 23 (7pm).

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