SUNDERLAND midfielder Tommy Miller has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to former club Ipswich and insisted he remains happy at the Stadium of Light.

Miller, who left Portman Road on a free transfer last summer, remains one of the most sought-after players at Championship level despite a relatively underwhelming season on Wearside.

Former manager Mick McCarthy refused to play the ex-Hartlepool favourite in his preferred attacking-midfield position and, as a result, he took time to adapt to life at a higher level.

His performances gradually improved as the season wore on, though, and Ipswich were expected to make a move, despite boss Joe Royle leaving his job at Portman Road last night.

But, despite Sunderland's relegation, Miller has re-iterated his commitment to the cause.

The Shotton Colliery-born midfielder fully expects to be on Wearside at the start of next season, although he has not ruled out a future return to Suffolk.

"Although we didn't have a good season and none of us were happy, I'm keen to stay," said Miller, who finished with three goals from his 29 starts this term.

"We really believe we have a chance of bouncing straight back up and I want to be a part of that. I have a year left on my contract and am not looking to jump ship.

"At the moment, things are up in the air with talks of a takeover and we have yet to see who the new manager will be, so things might change.

"I had some great times at Ipswich but, at the moment, my place is with Sunderland. You never know in football, though, one day I might be back for a third time."

Meanwhile, Stephen Elliott underwent surgery on his injured ankle yesterday in an attempt to guarantee his fitness for the start of pre-season training.

The Republic of Ireland international, who has not played since March 11, has been plagued by a series of back, hamstring, Achilles and ankle injuries that have restricted him to just 15 appearances this season.

It had been hoped that his most recent problem would heal naturally, but a recent scan revealed further damage to his medial ankle ligament and surgery proved to be the only option.

The operation has forced him to pull out of Ireland's four-day training camp in Portugal and their forthcoming friendly against Chile, but Black Cats officials are confident he will be back to full fitness by the time Sunderland's players report for the start of pre-season training on June 26.

* Stephen Caldwell was an unused substitute yesterday as Scotland cruised to a 5-1 win over Bulgaria in their opening game of the Kirin Cup.

Read more about Sunderland here.