A SUMMER of dramatic change at the Stadium of Light could do more harm than good to Sunderland's chances of bouncing back to the Premiership at the first attempt, according to Tommy Miller.

The Black Cats' midfielder was one of 12 signings made by Mick McCarthy during the last close-season who has been unable to prevent the club propping up the top-flight for the vast majority of the campaign.

One of McCarthy's biggest criticisms was that he secured the services of many top Football League players at that time instead of going for those who had experienced many years in the highest league.

Miller, a free signing from Ipswich, was one of those. The former Hartlepool man was one of the most effective attacking midfielders outside the Premiership and was viewed as a perfect capture.

But, at Sunderland this season, he has rarely been handed the chance to shine in his preferred role and, after Kevin Ball played him there at Blackburn, is hoping for more of the same in the final games of the campaign.

With Ball only caretaker boss, Miller, like the rest of the Sunderland squad, don't know what the future holds.

The Shotton-born midfielder, accepting relegation is just about a formality, suggests the core of the squad is well equipped for a Championship promotion push, providing a few additions are made.

"Keeping the nucleus of the side together will be very important because a lot of the lads here got the club promoted last season," said Miller, who could become a target of his former boss George Burley at Southampton.

"You've seen with Norwich, Crystal Palace and Southampton what it is like - it is a very tough league to get out of. I have another year left on my contract and I'm quite happy, even though the results haven't gone our way this season. This club has got everything necessary to get back into the Premier League if and when the inevitable happens."

Miller and Davis became good friends during their days together at Portman Road and they helped each other to settle into life on Wearside after their summer switch.

In the goalkeeper's case he has responded well to initial criticism from the club's supporters to turn in a number of fine displays, culminating with a man-of-the-match performance in the defeat at Bolton on Saturday.

Miller, aware that Sunderland have conceded 54 goals this season, knew the former England Under-21 No 1 had it in him to star between the posts in the North-East.

"I said at the time that he was a fantastic signing. He got a lot of the stick early on in the season and he has bounced back brilliantly. He has been superb lately, making some great saves," said Miller.

"Obviously it knocked his confidence a little bit before but now he is back on form. He was the best keeper in the Championship last year and deserved his chance in the Premier League. He is showing what he can do.

"He is a great keeper and there are not many better than him, certainly not in the Championship. He is a Premiership goalkeeper in my eyes."

If Davis wants to keep a clean sheet - his first since January 21 - this weekend then he will have to thwart in-form Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy has been a revelation since his move from Newcastle United for £5m and has banged in 15 goals for Mark Hughes' men, including two past Davis at Ewood Park on February 15.

Miller, desperate to see Sunderland record their first home league victory of the campaign as quickly as possible, said: "With Bellamy being an ex-Newcastle player, with him scoring the two goals at Blackburn and then celebrating in front of our fans, I am sure they (fans) will give him a hard time. He is on fire and is a top-class player."

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