Miller quick to Hearts but find net for wants more

On-loan striker has a habit of making an impact on debuts though strives long-term input

GRAEME CROSER

DEBUT specialist Lee Miller made an instant impact for Hearts last weekend - but that won’t stop him piling pressure on himself as he strives to fulfil his potential.

Within three minutes of being introduced to the fray in last weekend’s SPL clash with Dundee United, substitute Miller had knocked the ball into the net as the Jambos fought towards a 3-2 victory.

The frontman also burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion for Falkirk and Bristol City but, from subsequent contrasting experiences at both his former clubs, knows he must build on his initial success if he is to establish himself as a hero at Tynecastle.

The 21-year-old concedes he is still short of match fitness but has pleaded with boss John Robertson to play him from the start at Dundee tomorrow and build on his impressive start.

He said: "I feel I’m ready to start against Dundee.

"It’s entirely up to the manager but I’ve been working hard on my fitness up in training and I feel good. I’ve not played 90 minutes since Bristol’s FA Cup tie against Brentford in November but I’ve been keeping myself in decent condition and I need matches to get that extra sharpness.

"Even if it means going out and running myself into the ground for an hour or whatever I’d love the opportunity at Dundee.

"I got off to a great start last weekend and I just want to keep it going. The goal came with just my second touch so it was a nice way to kick-off my debut, I couldn’t have asked for a better start. The ball sat up from about two yards out and I was able to just knock it into the net - the perfect striker’s goal really!

"I’ve tended to do well on my debuts in the past. Alex Totten gave me my senior debut for Falkirk against Ross County when I was a teenager and, while I didn’t score, I hit the bar with a scissors kick and was named man of the match.

"I scored for Bristol City in my first game against Notts County and then I did the same for Hearts last week. It’s a nice feeling.

"As a striker the first thing people look for you to produce is goals and I’ve managed to break my duck straight away. Hopefully that will take a wee bit of the external pressure off me and allow me to concentrate on other aspects of my game. I’m pleased about that because I can be quite self-critical.

"I felt my link-up play could have been a bit better last weekend so I’ll definitely be trying to improve that. I set high standards for myself and I like to put myself under pressure to get better.

"I know from experience that no matter how well you start things can go either way for you at a club if you don’t build on it. I don’t want to set targets in terms of how many I’m going to score but as a striker I’m looking to find the net in every game I play."

Miller already seems well at ease among his new team-mates and admits the transition from Bristol to the Capital has been smooth. Not that he expects an easy ride as he seeks to establish himself in the first team.

Having been signed on an initial four-month loan period and with his future at Bristol looking bleak, he knows he has a point to prove.

Livingston boss Richard Gough tried hard to lure Miller to Almondvale, while Aberdeen maintained their long-held interest in the forward.

However, when Robertson’s interest became apparent he had his heart set on Tynecastle.

He continued: "I’ve arrived here halfway through the season which shouldn’t make it particularly easy to settle into the team. However, I’ve found the boys in the dressing-room very welcoming and the manager’s been first-class.

I’m sure I’ll learn a lot more from John Robertson.

"I’ve an awful lot of respect for him because he’s done so much in the game. I’ve actually known him for a wee while. I gradually got to know him a bit when I was at Falkirk and he was with Livingston.

"He has always been quite encouraging to me and when I heard he was interested in bringing me to Hearts I didn’t need much persuading. He told me of his plans for the future and the way he wants a good core of young players like myself and I was sold.

"He has put a lot of faith in me and I intend to repay it. I want to get back to the level of performance I know I’m capable of producing.

"I felt I had a reasonable first season with Bristol and I scored a few goals. However, after Brian Tinnion was appointed as manager I didn’t get much of a chance.

"Before that I’d had two really good years with Falkirk and I want to get myself back on track. I haven’t ruled out making this move permanent but I know Hearts have a lot of off-field concerns which need addressing first. Hopefully this move will work out to everyone’s advantage."

Miller missed out on the dramatic Scottish Cup win over Partick Thistle in midweek but watched the match intently from the stand. Dennis Wyness’ last-gasp winner ensured Hearts’ progress to the fourth round and Miller would love to team up with the former Inverness Caley frontman tomorrow.

He added: "I was pleased to see Denzel [Wyness] get the winner on Wednesday and it was interesting to get a good overview of the team from the stand. I’ve a better understanding of how the team is set out, but it’s very easy to play the game from the stand - it’s another thing when you’re out on the pitch.

"We just need to get a bit of consistency about our game and put together a run of results. We need to climb the table but I’m sure we have the players to do just that."

Taken from the Scotsman