Filipe Teixeira has vowed to soothe West Brom star Ishmael Miller's agony over missing the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.Teixeira knows the misery Miller is encountering after suffering a similar sort of injury against Plymouth last March - and the Portuguese player has only recently returned to the first-team squad.

He was sidelined for eight months but is now ready for action and wants to play a major role in helping Tony Mowbray's side avoid a quickfire return to the Championship.

Teixeira said: "Ish has the same injury as I had and it's a bad one. We need to encourage him because it's a big loss for us - but also for him.

"It's a big thing for him to deal with. He will be worried about the recovery but he is a strong guy and should have no problems.

"I spoke to him on the morning he found out and he was okay, in fact he looked good and was able to walk. When I had my injury I could not walk at all.

"It's difficult for him and us. He won't know what this injury is and for him there is maybe a feeling of sadness and disappointment at the moment.

"These things tend to happen when you don't want them to."

Teixeira is confident Miller can make a full recovery after suffering the setback in a collision with Portsmouth keeper David James during Sunday's 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns.

He said: "Ish had been playing well for us when it happened and I think he can come back better.

"Ten years ago such injuries were a bigger problem but now they are treated well and people are prepared for the recovery more.

"Last season the players got promoted when I was injured and I want us to stay up now, not just for Ish but for Neil Clement as well, who also has a knee injury and we must not forget about him. It's important for both Ish and Clem."

Teixeira is desperate to make his full Premier League bow in Saturday's bottom three clash at Sunderland after making three substitute appearances since his comeback.

He said: "I am okay now. I have no problems. I haven't played much up until now but I am fit and want to play."

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