Rangers are reported to be closing in on the Derby striker, who joined the Rams from Celtic in August last year.

A large section of fans made their opposition to Miller's return clear during the Scottish Cup final at Hampden last weekend.

But Hateley has told them to think back to their criticism of Smith's cautious tactics, which ultimately took Rangers to the UEFA Cup final and almost won them the league.

Hateley said: "A lot of the fans were making their voice quite clear a third of the way through the season that they weren't happy with this one striker role.

"But the one striker got us to nearly everything; the championship on the final day and three cup finals."

Miller excelled in the lone striker role for Scotland under Smith and assistant Ally McCoist, but Hateley feels he could perform well in several formations for Rangers.

"I saw Kenny against the Czech Republic and I thought he had an excellent game," Hateley said.

"Kenny can do that lone striker (role) up front. Whether Kenny comes or he doesn't come, the fact is Walter knows what he can do.

"We are looking to build on what we have achieved this season. We have achieved a lot with playing the lone striker.

"If Walter gets the players he wants, we won't go with the lone striker but it doesn't mean to say there is no place for Kenny Miller in the squad."