Have your say: Miller’s time comes ahead of facing his boyhood club

The 25-year-old striker started out as a seven-year-old with the Alex, coming up through the Gresty Road’s famous youth system, before graduating to the first team.

But he ended his 17-year spell with Crewe in the summer to jump at the chance of a move to Sheffield United.

The striker has spent most of the season so far waiting for his chance behind strikers Nick Blackman, Richard Cresswell, Dave Kitson, Chris Porter and John Cofie.

Miller was finally handed his first start in League One on Saturday against Stevenage, and repaid manager Danny Wilson with a two-goal salvo in a 4-1 win.

Now Miller – whose only other starts for the Blades had come in cup competitions, including netting twice against Notts County in the JP Trophy – is determined to keep hold of the shirt, starting with tonight’s visit to Bramall Lane of former club Crewe.

Asked on whether he will celebrate if he scores, he joked: “Depends on what reception I get. I would have thought I would get a good reception, there’s no reason not to.”

But then added: “I will be respectful, I had a great time there and wish them all the best.

“It’s the first game I looked for when the fixtures came out. It will be nice to see the lads and play against my home team.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it there. I was there since I was seven, coming up through the ranks and the academy into the first team.

“Last season was then a great season as we got promoted.”

Miller netted 39 goals in 111 league starts for the Railwaymen, his best return being 19 goals in the 2010-11 campaign when he formed an impressive partnership with Clayton Donaldson.

Last year started well, but he only netted six goals, his sending-off just before Christmas against Crawley Town the start of a lean spell for the striker.

“At Crewe, there is just a massive focus on the academy, a lot of quality coaches and the facilities are second to none,” he said. “They focus a lot of time, effort and money on that and get the benefits.

“I live about 10 minutes from Crewe, so very close. I was born there so obviously a local lad. It was a proud moment for me and my family (playing for Crewe) and I had many good years there.

“The season before last me and Clayton (Donaldson) struck up a good partnership. He won the golden boot that year, and scored a lot of goals with some free-flowing football.

“The start of last season I started quite well, then just tailed off really, through a lack of fitness and suspension. I could never really kickstart after Christmas.”

But Wilson was not perturbed and saw the potential in Miller to bring the striker to Bramall Lane this summer.

“When the official contact and bid was made I was delighted, there were no second thoughts,” he said.

“I had heard of interest the previous season after scoring 19 goals and 11 assists.

“The season after I scored six with no assists, then you move and wonder what the logic is behind that.

“I saw it as a negative turned into a positive so I am just delighted to be here.

“The expectation level here is different, we are expected to win every game we play. But I see that as a positive, and I wanted to make a step up from Crewe which this definitely is.

“Crewe’s results are the first result I look for; obviously we are in the same league and play them Tuesday.

“They are doing alright this season, middle of the table and will be a match for most teams. It should be a good game.”

Now Miler has got in the Blades team, he accepts he will need to perform to keep the shirt – starting tonight against Crewe.

“I couldn’t have timed it any better really, I am delighted just to get my first league start and first league goals, it did me the world of good,” said Miller, who made his Crewe debut back in 2006 in an FA Cup tie at Bradford City.

“I never expected to come in and play straightaway, I probably wasn’t up to scratch fitness wise as the manager wanted, but I have been patient and just tried to take my chances when they have come.

“Hopefully I have proved myself to be a regular player,” added Miller.

“My strengths are scoring goals, being in the box and being a pain to the defenders really.

“(Dave) Kitson is coming back from injury, and we have a lot of strikers here, but I think whoever is playing well will keep their place.

“My first ambition here is to get promoted. I think everyone in the team, club, fans all want that. For me personally I just want to play regularly and score a lot more goals.

“We were disappointed with the loss at MK Dons, but responded in great fashion at the weekend.”

Victory tonight for the Blades – who are expected to still be without full-backs Tony McMahon and Matt Hill – could see them leapfrog leaders Tranmere, if they lose to Walsall at Prenton Park.

Last six games: Sheffield United: WWWDLW, Crewe: WLWWWL.

Last time: Sheffield United 0 Crewe 0; March 3 2006; Championship.

Referee: James Adcock (Notts).