Lewis Miley was electric for Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The 18-year-old has endured a tough year following a lengthy spell out due to multiple injuries.
Miley was named in Newcastle’s starting XI for the first time since February 2024, he left his mark in the Magpies win against Bromley.
The midfielder missed the final three months of last season with a back injury and suffered another setback at the start of the current campaign when he suffered a metatarsal fracture.
Miley has been playing for Newcastle’s under-21s, including with Sven Botman during his injury recovery and made two appearances for England’s under-21s in November.
He returned to Newcastle’s first-team squad when he was named on the bench in the Magpies defeat to Brighton in October. Miley then got his first minutes of the Premier League campaign as Newcastle beat Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
Miley received praise from Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes on Instagram following the win, and scored his second Newcastle goal to level up the FA Cup tie.
Now, the 18-year-old has sent a message to Toon boss Eddie Howe highlighting the one thing he wants after his performance.
Lewis Miley wants more minutes at Newcastle
Even after a long time out of Newcastle’s squad, Miley is bound to be annoyed he hasn’t received more game time.
It’s mainly down to how well Howe’s midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are performing.
Guimaraes and Tonali in particular have formed a fantastic partnership – a tactical change which saw Tonali move into a deeper midfield role has proven devastating for the opposition.
Miley spoke to Newcastle’s media team following the win where he was asked about his performance.
“I was buzzing as soon as I got told I was starting,” Miley said.
“It was a relief really, it’s been a long time. I think I did well today, hopefully, I get lots more minutes soon.”
“I think I’m back now.”
Sunday’s game was a chance for Miley to show Howe he has what it takes to play in Newcastle’s midfield – he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and ran with it.
Eddie Howe on Miley’s performance
Miley broke into Newcastle’s first-team squad aged just 16 when he was named on the bench for a trip to Bournemouth in February 2023. He made his first appearance for Newcastle on the final day of the season against Chelsea against Stamford Bridge.
Injuries have kept the youngster out of the squad for longer than he would’ve liked – but the hope now is that he can stay fit and continue to be an available asset for Howe.
Howe spoke to BBC Sport after the game, where he was asked about the equaliser.
It was important we responded,” he said.
“The longer it goes on the more anxiety can creep in. What a brilliant finish from Lewis Miley. From that moment we settled into the game.
“Lewis played very well. He brings loads of composure and quality on the ball.”
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