Ishmael Miller insists he’d welcome any added competition in the striking department – a day after Roberto Di Matteo declared his interest in Liverpool striker David N’Gog. The former Manchester City striker is already vying with Roman Bednar, Luke Moore, Simon Cox and Chris Wood for a starting berth but believes competition will only make him a better player.
The pacy striker missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury picked up in Albion’s last top-flight campaign. During that season Miller was establishing himself as a real threat in the Premier League before being sidelined for 13 months.
Miller is now building his fitness during Albion’s pre-season training camp in Holland and hoping to regain the form which saw him notch three goals in seven Premier League games before his injury.
"I honestly feel that, if I am 100 per cent, it will be hard for anyone to keep me out,” said Ish.
"It doesn't matter who the club bring in.
"I believe in my own ability and people have seen why that's the case when I've been fit.
"Bringing in new players will bring out the best in others.
"I was only just starting to get into the swing of things when I got injured the last time we were in the Premier League.
"I was making a name for myself - and yet I don't think I was anywhere near 100 per cent.
"I was still at about 85 per cent of the maximum I believe I can show.
"On reflection, I just think that wasn't the time for me to excel.
"It didn't work out but hopefully this time it will work out better.
"I think I can almost pick up from where I left off, to be honest.
"I know what it takes and the dedication you need and I also think we've got a better camaraderie within the squad.
"Everything - including the players - is good here.
"Everyone in our squad gets on with everyone else and that will go a long way to helping us this season."