THERE’S still some way to go but Ishmael Miller thinks that he’s slowly but surely getting back to something resembling his best.

The former Manchester City striker took another big step towards firing on all cylinders with his third goal of the season in Oldham’s 3-2 win over Everton Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night.

The 31-year-old, who spent the entirety of last season without a club, was thrilled to get 90 minutes under his belt and to get on the scoresheet, and hopes that he can soon rediscover some of the form that once saw him touted as a star of the future.

“It’s nice to just be back playing and getting the minutes under my belt, and getting back to full fitness and sharpness,” said Miller.

“I’m still a little bit away, I feel. It’s been a bit stop-start through the season.

“On a personal point, it’s good to get another goal but it’s just more about playing.

“I know the goals and assists and chances will come. It’s about playing and giving my all for the team.”

Miller bagged the equalising goal to help the Latics come back from two goals down at half-time, Jonathan Benteke popping up with the winner.

However, Frankie Bunn was scathing in his assessment of Oldham’s first-half performance – and Miller didn’t disagree with his manager.

“Obviously, the first half was a bit disappointing and we weren’t up to the standards that we’ve usually set for ourselves, that the manager has instilled into us since the start of the season.

“Going two-nil down wasn’t part of the game plan but we came back to 3-2 and it was a good result in the end, and takes us into Saturday’s game (away to Stevenage in League Two) with a positive result.

“[In the second half], I just think our application was better.

“The manager got right after us at half-time and just let us know that it’s not his standards.

“It’s not the standards that he’s set for us and he’s set for himself because he’s been brilliant ever since he came in here.

“Obviously, the players reacted and it was a good team spirit and in the end, going two-nil down and coming back in any game is a good result in the end.

“The result on Saturday wasn’t what we wanted (a 2-1 loss away at Northampton) but things turn. We have all seen it before.”