SUPERSUB Liam Miller hailed Sunderland's never say die attitude after playing his part in the club's dramatic comeback at Middlesbrough.

It is the third time this season the Black Cats have scored late goals to take points from a game they probably deserved none - after the curtain raiser with Tottenham and the following trip to Birmingham.

If anything it shows Roy Keane's men don't know when they're beaten which is a characteristic Sunderland lacked in their last two visits to the Premier League.

The Black Cats were heading for their fourth league defeat of the season when Miller, on for Dickson Etuhu in the 53rd minute, struck a looping volley over Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to level the 136th Tees-Wear derby meeting.

"I've caught a few sweet in my time and luckily I saved another nice one for today," said Miller who has yet to start a Premier League fixture this term. "Once again we've scored a late goal and dug out a point from a difficult situation. It just goes to show the character in the team. This bunch of lads always play for the 90 minutes.

"We didn't play well but luckily enough we came away with a draw and pulled one out for the team and the fans, and that's pleasing."

The 'sweet' volley' turned out to be special for more than just ensuring Sunderland headed back up the A19 with a share of the spoils - it also happened to be Miller's first top flight goal.

The Republic of Ireland international spent three seasons at Old Trafford, following his transfer from Celtic, but never managed to find the net.

He said: "It's been a long wait. I was hoping my first goal would have come sooner but that's the way these things work out.''

Miller has never been a prolific goalscorer but when he does find the back of the net they are usually something quite special and this one was no different.

He added: "I've hit a few sweet ones in my time but that was probably up there with the best of them."

Grant Leadbitter, who opened the proceedings with a finely taken goal after only 74 seconds, was another who hailed the Black Cats' strength of mind to come back, but he also praised the club's backroom staff for playing their part in getting a result at the Riverside.

Leadbitter said: "All the late goals we've scored, especially this year, shows the spirit and character we have in the team. We have winners in our dressing room who never want to lose.

"It's also credit to the fitness staff at the club that we play right through to the 95th minute. You've always got to think you're going to get something out of the game or you may as well just go home and be beaten.

"Our performance wasn't great but we're pleased to come away with a point. We weren't at the races. It says something about us we've come away snatched a point and come away disappointed.

"None of the lads in there are happy with their performance."