FOR a player who made his first team debut at Celtic more than seven years ago, it's something of a surprise that Liam Miller has yet to make 100 senior team starts.

Boasting an impressive CV, which also includes spells with Man Utd and Leeds, Miller's lack of matches is something Roy Keane is quick to acknowledge

"When he went to United from Celtic he hadn't played that many games," said Keane, who is expected to hand Miller his first league start of the season in the absence of the banned Dickson Etuhu. "We hope he's now ready to kick on. He is a good player.

"He trains well. He's had to be patient but Dickson is suspended so he's got a hell of a chance of starting."

When he joined Manchester United, Miller was one of several players dubbed 'the new Roy Keane', a tag which Keane feels was a heavy burden on his fellow Corkman.

"The comparison with me when he was with United was unfair," said Keane. "I had it when I went to United (comparisons with Bryan Robson). Every player has his own strengths and we shouldn't compare."

Miller's composure and ability on the ball is unquestioned but his manager is looking for him to display some of the grit that made Keane himself one of the world's top midfield enforcers.

Miller was Sunderland's super-sub in last week's Tees-Wear derby, grabbing a last minute equaliser, but he will be need to impress from the outset against Blackburn if he is to secure a regular starting berth.

"There is no doubt he is a talented but in the position he plays in the middle of the park you need to stamp your authority and that's what we are putting to Liam all the time," added Keane.

"Players coming on as a sub is one thing, doing it over 90 minutes and over a few games and a few months is another. But hopefully we will get 100 or more games out of him here."