TOMMY MILLER hopes his first international call-up will lead to him fulfilling a boyhood dream of playing in the World Cup finals.

The former Hartlepool United midfielder was named in the Scotland future squad - otherwise known as the B team - for their friendly with Turkey in Dundee a week today.

And Miller, now at Ipswich Town, believes it is the perfect chance for him to stake a claim for full international honours and pick up his first senior cap. "I can't wait to go up there," said the 24-year-old, who qualifies to play for Scotland through his Kirkcaldy-born grandmother.

"Playing for England was always up there in my thoughts but that seems to be a million miles away from happening.

"It's an honour to play international football and hopefully I can take this chance and try to force my way into the full squad.

"The next World Cup is in 2006 and I suppose that has to be my aim, as it will be Scotland's.

"Berti Vogts is really starting to do a good job up there and with the young team he is putting together then there's every chance they could make it to the World Cup - they went close to next summer's European Championships didn't they?"

Miller's call-up to the future Scotland camp, along with Newcastle pair Stephen and Gary Caldwell, has pushed him closer to following in the footsteps of another former Pool hero Don Hutchison.

Like Hutchison, Miller is a North-East-born footballer who left Victoria Park in a big money move to the top-flight.

Miller, who could still play for England even if he makes an appearance against the Turks, said: "Don was from Tyneside and I'm from Shotton, but it worked out for him up there.

"I remember him scoring a goal at Wembley against England and that must have been brilliante. He didn't do badly so hopefully things will work out for me.

"If I do earn my first cap, people keep telling me that I will become the first Ipswich player to play for Scotland since John Wark, George Burley and Alan Brazil were selected and played their part in the 1982 World Cup. It would be great for me to join those names."

Northern Echo SPORT actually informed Miller of his call-up to the Scotland future squad on Monday evening.

He explained: "I have had people ringing me up and asking me about it, but I honestly didn't know until you rang.

"I think it is because the manager (Joe Royle) had the paperwork but he forgot to tell me.

"Now I just can't wait until next Monday when I join up with the squad."