Tom Miller said he rejected approaches from rival League Two clubs to commit his future to Carlisle United.

The defender signed a new two-year deal yesterday after spending the summer break weighing up his future.

Miller admitted that interest from elsewhere "complicated" his thoughts but insisted he always wanted to remain at Brunton Park

The 25-year-old said: "I did have quite a lot of [offers] and a lot of them were in the same league as us.

"From that point of view I was always coming to Carlisle, because I knew what our prospects were for this year.

"It can complicate your head at times but I'm buzzing I've got it sorted. It was always this that I wanted."

While the Blues are still waiting for a decision from another right-back, Alex McQueen, former Lincoln man Miller rejoined the squad for pre-season training yesterday.

"I'm glad to finally be back and get it all sorted out," Miller said.

"I was on holiday, which delayed it, and I probably should have sorted things before I went away.

"But I'm over the moon to be back and commit my next two years with the club. It just felt right.

"I'm looking forward to improving myself as a player and hopefully bringing more every week to the club and team. I feel welcome here."

Miller also said manager Keith Curle's work in the transfer market this summer helped convince him to be a part of United for longer.

"If you look at the progress we made last year, plus the signings the gaffer's made in the summer, it shows great prospects for the season," he said,

"You just have to look at players like [Shaun] Miller, who scored two goals at our place last season.

"The manager has signed very well and it's great to add to what he's kept from last year - the core, which was strong. There is competition for places all over the pitch and I'm happy he looks at me as one of those players and offered me a new deal.

"The squad this time last year was bigger but the competition for the starting XI this year is a lot stronger.

"On paper we should be challenging more so than last year. I think it's a club going in the right direction with the right people in it. I enjoyed it last season, I enjoy the place and my partner enjoys it as well.

"I want to get promoted. I think we can do it. Anything less would be disappointing."

Curle, who welcomed an unnamed trialist to the training ground yesterday, said he has not yet set a deadline for McQueen to make his mind up.

The Blues boss is on the trail of further signings, meanwhile, and said he hopes to make three to five more additions before the big kick-off on August 6.