Jamie Miller has made only three appearances for Bristol since joining from Coventry in December – but he is more than happy to have swapped a relegation scrap for a promotion battle, writes Steve Cotton.

The 22-year-old back-rower remains Coventry's top try-scorer this season – and was the club's skipper and star player before quitting for Bristol.

Since leaving Butts Park Arena amid Coventry's financial struggles, Miller is yet to start a match for Paul Hull's Championship leaders.

But he has no regrets about the switch – and is desperate to force his way into the first-team reckoning at the Memorial Stadium.

"It's certainly very different to go from essentially the top of one pile to the bottom of another – but it's the better way to have it," said Miller.

"I'd rather be working my way up a ladder at what is potentially a Premiership club than being at the top rung of a ladder of a bottom Championship club.

"I'd rather be getting the sort of coaching I am here and working my way up with experienced players helping me, than being the first-team captain, top try-scorer and most experienced back-row forward at the club, aged 22.

"I'm still incredibly young for my position and have a lot to learn.

"So I'm pleased to be in an environment now where I can learn from people above me and work my way up.

"There are certainly going to be opportunities for me – and it's about how I take those opportunities when they are given to me."

Tomorrow's match at Nottingham presents Miller with an ideal chance to state his case for further inclusion.

But with Bristol boasting one of the strongest and deepest back rows in the Championship, the former Bath Academy player is taking nothing for granted.

James Phillips, Iain Grieve and Dan Montagu could all consider themselves first-choice picks, while Redford Pennycook and the fit-again James Merriman have also played a big part this season.

"It's very competitive here and that's a good thing," said Miller.

"I don't think it's healthy to be in a team where you walk into your shirt every week – that's not a good way to go about improving as a player.

"It is a very competitive position and there are some fantastic back-row players here – so when you get the opportunity to wear that shirt, there's a lot of pressure on you to keep it."

Miller believes Bristol are on their way to the Guinness Premiership – and despite only having a short-term contract with the club, he wants to be involved if and when they get there.

"I've got a short-term deal here and all the emphasis is on me to perform and impress at this level and show people I'm worth a place," he said.

"When I get given opportunities, I've obviously got to take them, and hopefully play my way into a longer contract here.

"It did take a little bit of time to learn all the calls and everything – and I'm still getting my head around certain aspects of it now.

"But I'd say on the whole I've pretty much got to grips with it now.

"Bristol are striving to be in the Premiership – where they belong – and one way to do that is to be professional and do everything the right way.

"And that's exactly what they do here and I'm glad to be a part of the set up."

Bristol Rugby: Luke Arscott, Lee Robinson, Luke Eves, Sam Giddens, Tom Arscott, Adrian Jarvis, Jason Spice; Mark Irish, Ross Johnston, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Nathan Budgett, Jamie Miller, Redofrd Pennycook, James Phillips, Replacements: David Blaney, Darren Crompton, Mako Vunipola, Roy Winters, James Merriman, Robbie Shaw, Jack Adams.