Miller cuts a frustrated figure at Celtic after disappointing first year

Miller was once again left on the bench for Celtic's opening SPL match against Kilmarnock following a frustrating first season at Parkhead.

Whilst not doubting his confidence, McLeish admits that Miller's lack of action makes his job harder.

"Kenny is a tough cookie and I think he'll come through this," McLeish said.

Miller's debut season with Celtic yielded two winner's medals and a Champions League last 16 appearance.

He will certainly be in my thoughts for the next few games which are coming up Scotland manager Alex McLeish

But he scored just four league goals and often featured from the bench.

"I don't know if his confidence has taken a dip. I would like to think not," McLeish went on.

"I would like to say to him not to worry about it.

"He will certainly be in my thoughts for the next few games which are coming up."

McLeish is looking forward to leading the national side into next month's qualifiers at home to Lithuania and away to France as the Scots bid to hang on to the dream of qualifying for Euro 2008.

McLeish has backed Kenny Miller despite a lack of action

But he revealed that may not have been the case had a bid for his services from a Premiership side this summer been successful.

"I don't know if many people know about it but I was approached about a bit of interest regarding a job a few weeks ago," McLeish went on.

"I said there was no way I'd leave the Scotland job at this juncture.

"Had this approach come before the Scotland job I would have looked at it.