Ishmael Miller can cut it in the top flight

Jul 28 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

ISHMAEL Miller has been urged to believe in himself after an impressive display against Ipswich Town.

The Baggies striker scored his first pre-season goal to put Tony Mowbray’s side ahead at Portman Road.

Ipswich went on to win but the Baggies boss was pleased with his striker’s first-half contribution when he scored one, from 20-yards, and was twice denied by Town keeper Richard Wright.

Mowbray feels Miller can make a big impact in the top flight.

“Ishmael is strong, powerful, has a wonderful left foot and knows where the goal is,” said Mowbray. “He will get every opportunity to see if he can score goals in the Premier League and I’m very hopeful he can.

“He has great attributes, a great belief in himself and his goal on Saturday was a great strike, but not his best chance.

“He had two where Richard made good saves which were good chances and both fell to his right foot, as opposed to the left foot one that he smashed in. That’s part of his game that he’s got to develop – his right side. He believes in himself, he’s confident and he wants to test himself.

“Ishmael can play a big part for us this season.”