FORMER Musselburgh back row Ally Miller is delighted with his progress so far this season at London Scottish. 

Miller is one of five Scotland U20 caps who made the trip south ahead of the new season, and he has established himself as part of the club’s first-choice back row.

The 20-year-old, from Longniddry, was again at number eight as they beat a Cardiff Blues Select XV to kick off their British and Irish Cup campaign with a bonus-point win. 

They scored five tries at the BT Arms Park, with Miller central to four of those as he claimed lineout ball that allowed the Exiles to score, with three of their tries from rolling mauls. 

Miller told Courier Sport: “We had worked really hard all week and had our game plan in place, but then just before kick-off the weather really changed and the rain started to come down.

“We had to change it up a bit and that meant we used our set piece a bit more, but it was great to get the four tries and the bonus-point win.”

He also reflected on the opening weeks of the season, and was pleased with the team’s run of results.

“We’ve been playing pretty well and we’ve had some good results,” he said.

“It’s been nice to get a run of games under my belt and I feel like I’m playing pretty well.”

Miller admits settling in to life at the Athletic Ground has been made easier by the familiar faces at the club, including coach John Dalziel. 

The Borderer was coach of Scotland U20s last season, and also head coach at Melrose, where Miller played his club rugby prior to moving south. 

Miller believes having Dalziel involved has helped his development.

He said: “It was good at the start especially, because he knows what my strengths and my long-term goals are.

“I’ve been trying to work on getting my hands on the ball more and the physicality of my ball carrying.”

He was also heartened to see clubmate Ewan McQuillin called into Edinburgh Rugby’s ranks as an emergency replacement for injured Scotland prop WP Nel earlier this month. 

With Simon Berghan and Kevin Bryce – capped at hooker but who moved to tighthead in the summer – both injured, McQuillin received a call-up for the recent Guinness Pro12 win over Treviso.

Miller said: “It was great to see Ewan get the call – he’s worked really hard and he deserved it.

“That’s what it is all about at Scottish, we’re all looking to take the next step up and to see Ewan do it gives you a confidence boost.”