ISHMAEL Miller is hopeful of winning his fitness race for tomorrow's testing trip to promotion-rivals Swansea (ko 7.45pm).

The powerhouse striker crowned his first start in 15 months by equalising against Blackpool on Saturday but had to leave the field in the 62nd minute with a hamstring problem.

Miller has been plagued with niggling injuries since making his comeback from a 13-month cruciate knee ligament lay-off at the start of January.

And his fitness prospects have come even more into focus after Roman Bednar was ruled out of the Liberty Stadium trip with a thigh injury suffered in training this morning.

"I came off as a precaution on Saturday because my hamstring felt a bit tight and I didn't want to risk it," said Miller.

"I've got to take care of my body now better than ever.

"I suppose I've become a veteran with injuries!

"It's just nice to be playing again.

"It was great to be back on the scoresheet but the main thing was the team getting the three points.

"Hopefully, we can all kick on now."

Miller knew he'd got the nod to start his first game since December 2008 after a midweek chat with head coach Roberto Di Matteo.

"The gaffer called me into his office and he asked if I was ready to start," revealed the ex-Manchester City ace.

"I said 'yes'.

"I didn't think I'd be able to last for the 90 minutes but I said I'd give it as long as I possibly could.

"I always feel I am going to get chances and score goals but just being on the pitch is the main thing.