Ishmael Miller’s best performance in the Premier League ended in disappointment when he watched Blackburn Rovers’ late equaliser from the bench.
The 21-year-old striker was substituted for Luke Moore for the last ten minutes after a man-of-the-match display – and a superb goal – had seen the Baggies take the lead against their ten-man visitors. Miller, recalling the moment Keith Andrews struck in the 89th minute, said: “I was devastated. I felt sick when I saw their goal go in. It was the worst feeling ever.
“I felt so sorry for the team, the club and the fans. It doesn’t matter that I scored; it’s all about the team. Hopefully we’ll be able to keep our heads up.”
Miller’s has been a slow start to life in the Premier League but his goal here and his first of the season, against Newcastle United on Tuesday, suggest he is quickly finding his feet and confidence.
Judging by his animated celebration on Saturday, it is clear a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. Miller added: “The celebration was for my mum. She was there with all my family and when things weren’t going well and I was getting chances but they weren’t going for me all my family were there behind me.
“We have played one up front for a lot of games this season and if you ask any top striker they will say playing one up front makes it very difficult to score.
“When Roman Bednar and I have both played, one of us has scored in nearly every game I feel we play better with two up front but if the manager goes with five in midfield, so be it.”
The Miller on display against Blackburn was a far cry from the shorn-of-confidence striker who endured booing from his own fans at Middlesbrough after a desperately poor performance and a sign of the player’s burgeoning maturity.
Miller said: “It didn’t really bother me because we won the game and the fans expect a lot from me.
“On Saturday the fans were behind me. I am trying to help the team, I love the club and I will try my best. I am still a young striker and the more I play the more I will be able to learn.”
