Charlie Miller wants Queensland Roar's youngsters to heed his advice as they begin their professional careers. The former Rangers midfielder has a warning for the likes of Mitch Nichols and Robbie Kruse, who has struggled with expectations this season.

"I'm a perfect example," said Miller, who will always regret earning only one senior Scotland cap.

"I didn't do as well as I should have. But I can help people now and make them understand what it's like."

Miller said Nichols had been a "breath of fresh air" since being given a first-team chance by Roar coach Frank Farina.

But the key to continued success for Nichols and fellow Roar teenagers Tahj Minniecon and Tommy Oar was remaining grounded.

"You don't want these kids to get carried away with themselves," Miller said.

"We've got a lot of good young boys at the Roar, but they need to listen, learn and think about things sometimes."

Miller also said it was not too late for the troubled Kruse - whose season has been marred by two off-field scuffles and injury - to turn his career around.

"It's a shame for him because he's been in and out of the press for bad reasons," he told the Courier Mail.

"It's been a difficult year for him off the field, but I still hope he can come back and do very well because I like him as a boy and I think he's a very good footballer.

"It's all up to him now. People have tried to help him and hopefully he can get his head together."