Sunderland new boy Tommy Miller believes fate has dictated that his first appearance at the Stadium of Light will be in a red and white shirt.

The 26-year-old completed a free-transfer move from Ipswich on Wednedsay when he signed a two-year deal with the club he supported as a boy.

Miller has been to the stadium on many occasions as a supporter, but is yet to play there having missed out on two occasions with Town.

"I had a nightmare," he admitted. "I missed one game last season out of all of them and that was at the Stadium of Light. I was devastated.

"And the season before, I think I was injured, so I have not had much luck. Maybe it is a bit of fate that I will have my first game in a red and white shirt there."

Easington-born Miller comes from a long line of Sunderland supporters and his decision to head for Wearside despite offers from Ipswich, Leeds and Crystal Palace has delighted his family and friends - or at least most of them.

"There are a lot of Sunderland fans, friends, family," he said. "I can also tell you I have got some Newcastle friends as well, so I might be falling out with a few of them - but I will not worry about that.

"I have got a lot of friends and family who are very pleased for me to be coming back and playing for Sunderland, their team.

"I used to go and watch them as a kid with my dad and with my mates, so I am looking forward to pulling the shirt on. I used to go to Roker Park and I used to think it was superb, the atmosphere, the fans, everything.

"I would have liked to have played, and now the dream has come true.

"I cannot wait. I have been many times to the Stadium of Light and the atmosphere is outstanding, superb, and I am looking forward to it. It will be a full house come the opening day and I cannot wait."

The chance to test himself against the best that English football can provide is a major motivation for Miller, although one fixture in particular stands out.

"Obviously, you look out for the Newcastle one," he said. "It is a massive derby, but all the games next season are going to be massive. We are playing against some top-quality teams and top-quality players."

The newcomer admitted that manager Mick McCarthy's ambition in making his summer signings - he is the fifth addition to the squad after Jon Stead, Kelvin Davis, Daryl Murphy and Nyton Nosworthy - was a key factor in his decision to join, although he also had a helping hand from former Ipswich team-mate Marcus Stewart, the Black Cats' leading scorer last term.

"I looked at the players he was signing and it is quite a young squad here as well," he said. "I am 26, which is still fairly young, and I am wanting to be part of it.

"I cannot wait to get started. They seem a good set of lads. I spoke to Marcus Stewart and he had nothing but praise for the club, the management, the staff, the players, everything, so I cannot wait to taste it for myself."