TOMMY Miller maintained his immaculate record from the penalty spot to ensure a point against high-flying Sheffield United and now wants to punish struggling Norwich City.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

TOMMY Miller maintained his immaculate record from the penalty spot to ensure a point against high-flying Sheffield United and now wants to punish struggling Norwich City.

With just one win in four games the Blues know they need to start picking up maximum points again to push into the play-offs while Old farm rivals City are staring into the relegation abyss.

Miller said: “It is a massive derby game in these parts and we go there looking forward to the game and to turn them over.

“Form goes out of the window in derby games. It doesn't matter where they are in the league. Norwich have had a bad a spell and may not be as confident but it is afresh slate in a derby match.”

Miller beat Paddy Kenny to successfully put away his 26th competitive penalty kick and keep his 100 per cent record, which if you count those in pre season too stretched beyond 30.

Miller said: “It is a record I'm very proud of and long may it continue.

“I had taken one against Paddy before and went the other way so I decided to go the opposite side and I'm delighted it has gone in.”

Miller revealed the secret of his success - never practising.

He said: “I never look at the keeper. I just the ball down and I have make my mind up.

“I have never practiced penalties before I either. I just put the ball down and put it away.

“Sheffield United came and made it hard for us and we never really get our normal passing game going and we found it hard to pass through them.

“It was two points dropped give the nature of how it happened.

“They are a good team though and will be there or thereabouts.”

Miller was withdrawn six minutes from the end with Richard Naylor going on to further strengthen the back line and Miller felt the manager's decision was right.

Miller said: “That was my first game in six weeks and I was feeling tired so the manager has decided to change it.

“It didn't work out but it could so easily have gone the other way- that happens in football.”

Sadly Town paid the penalty for an Alan Quinn hand ball that James Beattie converted and the Town winger swapped shorts with his brother Stephen after the game, and after issuing a dressing room apology to his team-mates.

The Sheffield United striker admitted he was worried about Richard Wright saving the last minute spot kick.

Turns his back takes five paces spins and decides in mid flow which way he is going to place it.

Beattie said: “There is pressure on every penalty but to get one at the death makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck even more.

“I know Wrighty of old and know what a great keeper he is. Not long before we got our penalty I watched him pull off atop quality save to keep out a header.

“That was going through my mind but when I turned to start my routine I was confident and everything went well.

“Missing was not an option but I was still as relived as I have been in a long time after taking a penalty.

“We deserved to take something from the game so it was justice.”

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk