The 27-year-old midfielder had been repeatedly warned that he had to be in for training on time and yesterday the manager drew a line in the sand when he said that one of his most talented players could leave the club.

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Keane (right) explained: "We made our position clear with Liam. It's one thing that I've spoken to players about on many occasions and Liam in particular – and that's to do with time keeping.

"It's got nothing to do with talent but I've said if you want to be a top footballer you need a lot more than talent.

"And you certainly have to be in on time for training.

"Liam has been late on a regular basis and I've got to be fair to everyone at the club – to his team-mates, to the staff and to our supporters.

"If a player can't be on time, then they don't have a future at the club."

Although the Republic of Ireland midfielder is available to go out on emergency loan to lower league clubs, Keane has refused to shut the door on a player who he watched last night in the reserves game and who he regarded as possibly the best player on view.

But it is obvious that Miller now has a long way to come back from.

Keane said: "Players at this club will always get a chance and while they are a part of this club they will always be considered. If Liam wants to catch himself on, that's up to him.

"But I have to look at the bigger picture and that's the overall welfare of Sunderland Football Club. I set high standards but that's what this club needs."

While Miller, who scored a last-minute winner against Derby County last season, is unlikely to come into contention for this weekend's game against the Rams, former Derby centre-half Danny Higginbottom could well play a part.

Higginbottom played over an hour for the reserves on his comeback from a broken toe injury and Keane said: "Danny could come into it.

Obviously we have Danny Collins suspended because of five bookings and Danny Higginbottom has played left back before.

"We've got him and there's also Ian Harte to consider in that position but we'll see nearer the time."

Kieran Richardson was not involved in the reserves last night but he has been in full training and might also come into contention for the game.

Dwight Yorke is not suspended as previously reported. He has accumulated four bookings and not five.