The 27-year-old midfielder hopes to have done enough at the Republic of Ireland's training camp in Portugal this week to have forced his way into new international manager Giovanni Trapattoni's plans for Saturday's friendly clash with Serbia at Croke Park.

And in the longer term he knows still has work to do to persuade compatriot Keane that he has a future at Sunderland.

Keane placed Miller on the transfer list in February after losing patience with his poor time-keeping, leaving the former Celtic, Manchester United and Leeds player in limbo.

To his credit, Miller knuckled down and forced his way back into the Black Cats' first team as the Premier League season drew to a close.

However, he is taking nothing for granted as Keane prepares to launch another major recruitment drive this summer.

Miller said: "Things happened and that's that, but I got back in the team and we managed to stay up as well, which is good.

"It's going okay. We will just have to wait and see now.

"I just got my head down, trained hard and got myself back in the team.

"I think he (Keane) has been happy enough, I suppose. Things have gone okay.

"I would imagine I am still on the list, but I am trying to play my way off it. That's the best thing I can do at the moment."

Miller played the first 71 minutes of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Portimonese on Sunday, and a further 10 minutes as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Lagos on Monday.

He and his team-mates will return to Dublin on Thursday to finalise their preparations for games against Serbia and Colombia.

They will arrive back feeling the benefits of their week in Portugal, and with a better idea of what Trapattoni expects of them.

Miller said: "We have played two games now under the new manager, and they have been enjoyable.

"It's been great. He is trying to get his points across, and we are all listening and trying to take on board what he is saying.

"It's still early doors, but we are just trying to learn from him and get what he is saying. I am sure there is plenty more to come from him as well.

"It's been good, because we are together early, and it is a chance to mix together as well.

"That's been a plus, and having the advantage of knowing the manager for the extra week will be good going into those games."

Miller's Sunderland team-mate Daryl Murphy was one of four players who sat out training yesterday, but he should be available for Saturday.