Miller was injured in the draw with Portsmouth in December 2008

West Brom head coach Roberto Di Matteo says Ishmael Miller will not be starting Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle.

The former Manchester City forward, 22, has made two substitute appearances since returning from 13 months out of action with a serious knee injury.

But Di Matteo told BBC WM: "Right now, I do not think he is ready for to start a game.

"We have to give him time and hope that he can contribute."

Albion meet the Magpies just five days after the two teams drew 2-2 in the Championship.

Miller missed a glorious chance in the closing stages at St. James' Park that would forced a win for the Baggies, hitting the post from six yards out and with an open goal to aim at.

He did find the net for the Albion reserves on Wednesday, and Di Matteo said that it was an important goal for the young striker.

"It's good for any strikers if you score, whether it's training, a reserve game or a league game," added the Italian.

"He's promised me that he's going to score some other goals during the season, so I'll take his word on that."

Miller suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in a Premier League game against Portsmouth in December 2008 and had to wait until the defeat by Nottingham Forest on 8 January, 13 months later, to make his first-team comeback.

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