The rupee failed to maintain earlier gains but was still higher by 4 paise at 54 rupee, 71 paise against dollar in late morning trade today on uneven demand and supply of the American currency from banks, despite strong dollar overseas.The rupee resumed higher at 54 rupees 68 paise per dollar against the last closing level of 54 rupees 75 paise at the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market. It moved up further to 54.61 rupees before quoting 54 rupees 71 paise per dollar.