The 27-year-old midfielder hopes he has done enough in Portugal this week to have forced his way into the Italian's plans for Saturday's Croke Park friendly against Serbia.

However, he knows in the longer term he still has work to do to persuade compatriot Keane he has a role to play at Sunderland.

The Black Cats boss transfer-listed Miller in February after losing patience with his poor time-keeping, leaving the former Celtic and Manchester United man sweating on his future.

To his credit, Miller (pictured) knuckled down and forced his way back into the team as the 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 OK. 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 OK.

"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 sub in Monday's 3-1 win over Lagos on Monday.

He and his team-mates will return to Dublin tomorrow to finalise their preparations for the friendlies against Serbia and Colombia (at Fulham's Craven Cottage), and they will be joined by Richard Dunne, John O'Shea, Robbie Keane, Aiden McGeady and Darren O'Dea, who missed the Algarve trip because of club or personal commitments.

But the travelling party will arrive back in Ireland 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 on board.

"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."

Shane Long, Wes Hoolahan, Darren Potter and Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy all sat out training yesterday with knocks, but are expected to be available for Saturday.