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 told PA Sport: "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."

Miller declared himself open to an offer from Rangers following the 3-1 friendly defeat in Prague on Friday night.

"I've worked with Walter and Ally before and felt they got the best out of me so I would love to go back and work with them," he said.

Miller's agent claims there have been enquiries from clubs "all over Europe" with Greek side Olympiacos linked with a bid.

But rumours claiming Rangers will make a summer bid have lingered for months.

Miller scored 11 goals in 38 games for Rangers and hit the same amount in 46 appearances for Celtic following a spell at Wolves.

That goal return has not convinced some Rangers fans he is worth a second chance while others are undoubtedly put off by his spell at their Old Firm rivals.

However, Hateley knows the Rangers fans can be won round after partnering another former Celtic striker, Mo Johnston, the most controversial signing in the club's history.

Hateley also had to get supporters on his side after initially keeping Ibrox idol McCoist on the bench when he joined in 1990.

"It's always difficult, when you come into a big club you have to be mentally strong more than anything," said the former England striker, who was giving away free footballs on behalf of Mars.

"It's about getting your head down and working at it.

"When Ally broke his leg I played the whole year up front on my own, which I did for six years abroad.

"It's horses for courses but if you have a player that can play two or three different formations then he can always play in the side, and that's an added bonus."