A wonderful solo goal from Rams teenager Giles Barnes looked to have earned them a share of the points, but Miller rose to meet Grant Leadbitter's late cross, flicking it beyond Stephen Bywater at the far post.

The Black Cats had taken the lead through David Connolly's 27th minute penalty . . .

Sunderland's first for over a year . . . but looked like rueing their failure to add to it in a first half they dominated.

Looking to strengthen their own play-off credentials, Roy Keane's side played with energy and invention in the first half, the latter something that was sorely missing from Derby's display before the break. Sunderland had the first clear chance of the game in the 11th minute, Tobias Hysen cutting inside his man before sending a low shot flashing across the face of goal and just wide at the far post. Connolly then settled nerves by knocking home from the spot after Marc Edworthy had tigged the striker's jersey.

Roy Keane's side soon lost their way but Miller ensured that their hopes of automatic promotion are still intact with a valuable late strike.