MILLER READY FOR PENALTY DRAMA

Hearts on-loan striker Lee Miller will not let the disappointment of an FA Cup penalty shoot-out miss earlier in the season deter him from taking part in another nail-biting climax tomorrow.

The former Falkirk forward, who has moved to Tynecastle from Bristol City for the rest of the season, missed from the spot - along with team-mate Leroy Lita - as the Robins crashed out of the FA Cup first round to Brentford in November.

The Griffin Park side are now preparing for a fifth-round clash at Southampton at the weekend, while Miller is hoping to secure a Tennent's Scottish Cup quarter-final berth against Livingston at the expense of Kilmarnock.

But, despite missing in the shoot-out against the Bees, the 21-year-old insists he will be ready to step up to the spot if required at Rugby Park in the fourth round replay.

Miller said: "The FA Cup game against Brentford was my first in about two months but we were beaten 4-3 on penalties.

"The goalkeeper saved mine then but I'm confident of taking them - I always have been but everyone misses at some point.

"But we haven't talked about penalties ahead of this replay. Dennis Wyness scored against Aberdeen with our last penalty in the SPL and he is confident of taking them.

"I just came in on loan and Hearts had already got their penalty-taker but, if it comes down to a shoot-out, I'll be there."

Miller has scored four times in seven appearances since his return to Scotland with the Jambos and his strike in the 3-0 win against Killie on Saturday is already a candidate for goal of the season - a blistering drive from the edge of the area.

But the ex-Bairns forward is simply enjoying a regular game now after falling out of favour with City player-boss Brian Tinnion.

Miller added: "I'm enjoying my time up here, we're playing really well and creating good chances and a striker thrives on that.

"I'm not surprised that I've got in among the goals right away, I have always had confidence and belief in my ability.

"I know I can do it at this level and it's not about proving people wrong as such - I've got high standards and I want to reach them.

"I was pleased with my goal on Saturday. It was a good ball through by Dennis Wyness and the ball just sat up and the keeper has been scrambling back onto his line.

"It was just one of those ones that you know, as soon as it leaves your foot, that it's going in.

"Nine times out of 10, they land up in the stand but that one went in off the crossbar.

"That was a sign of my confidence being high and, when it's high, you fancy your chances from anywhere."

Hearts head coach John Robertson has been given the green light to sign Miller from Bristol City on a permanent basis.

New club owner Vladimir Romanov saw the 21-year-old in action against Killie on Saturday and also wants the player to stay.

Robertson told the Edinburgh Evening News: "Lee scored a great goal at the weekend and has done very well since he came here - we want to keep him.

"Mr Romanov was at Saturday's game, and I know he was very impressed too. He spoke to me afterwards and said there will be money there to try and keep Lee.

"We would like to have done a permanent deal in January, but there was too much uncertainty around the club.

"When we negotiated with Bristol their manager Brian Tinnion was very accommodating.

"I actually played with him at Newcastle a few years ago, and it was through him that I first made contact regarding bringing Lee to Hearts.

"Mr Romanov has said we can start speaking to them again, and we'll be trying to get something done."

Taken from sportinglife.com