GEORGE Miller earned a reputation at Bury for sniffing out goals.

And it was his nose that received a painful introduction to the hard knocks of League One football.

The 20-year-old striker’s capture on a year-long loan has been heralded as potentially one of the most exciting signings of this hectic Valley Parade summer.

Scoring eight times in 19 outings on loan for a Bury side doomed to relegation, the Middlesbrough youngster has shown he can handle the demands of life in the third tier.

Miller may look like a choirboy but there is a bit of devilment in his play – and he has learned to stand up to the rough stuff that frontmen can always expect from their markers.

It didn’t take long to knock that into him.

“I remember my debut when I bust my nose,” he laughed. “I was pretty naïve and didn’t know what to expect.

“But I’ve learned you’ve got to be streetwise to play in League One.

“Academy football is a lot different and a lot more passive. But I’ve played a few times in this league now and I know what the crack is.

“I’ve had a few burst lips in games when I’ve started – I’ve done it before.”

Miller gave City fans a bitter taster of hopefully what is to come with an equaliser late in stoppage-time for the Shakers at Valley Parade in February.

That afternoon also provided the forward with an inkling of what he can look forward to every week this season.

He added: “I remember scoring and the game finishing 2-2, hopefully the fans don’t hold that against me.

“But the atmosphere was unbelievable that day. I remember when the first whistle went and there was this big roar – I got goose bumps on my arm.

“I’m buzzing to be here now and really looking forward to the new season. I hope I can do well and score a few goals.”

Most strikers will set themselves a target for each campaign. But while some will keep that under wraps, Miller is happy to put himself under public pressure.

“I want to score as many as possible and get into double figures if I can,” he said. “I want to beat my total from last year.

“I like to work hard and give it everything and hopefully I’ll score a few goals doing that. Bear with me, I make mistakes but then everyone does.

“When I was speaking to the chairman, it seems like a family-orientated club. I’ve seen quite a few young lads and they are happy around the place.

“Hopefully I can settle in and do it on the pitch.”