Steve Watson thinks Newcastle 17-year-old has improved so much since January

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Newcastle United youngster Lewis Miley has received some wonderful advice from Steve Watson as he continues to impress at senior level.

The 17-year-old has been a consistent figure during Eddie Howe‘s pre-season preparations. He has played in every game so far, and even ended up briefly captaining the Magpies against Gateshead.

Miley also looked comfortable in the games with Rangers and Aston Villa, and will hope for another chance to impress against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

He has already played against the Blues before, having made his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge back in May.

The teenager is emerging as a real star of the future on Tyneside, and already looks capable of competing at senior level. That is a major compliment considering the amount of talent Newcastle already have in midfield.

But while Miley already looks the part, Watson has warned him that first-team minutes will be hard to come by.

Steve Watson really impressed with Lewis Miley this year

Watson has spoke to the club’s official website about Miley, heaping praise on the youngster after closely watching his progress.

“He’s got to keep progressing,” Watson said.

“He’ll realise when the season starts, he’ll be involved in and around pre-season – that’s the first protocol for him and just keep pushing, making sure he can’t be ignored. I’ve watched him since January for the under-21s and he improves almost by the week.

“He looks like he gets stronger and is in really good shape for a footballer. He will fill out and did not look out of place in that game (against Chelsea) which is a really important thing. He did not look like a 17-year-old kid coming on just to make the numbers and actually imposed himself on the game.

“He can’t get too disappointed if he’s not straight back in every squad because the club is looking to step it up a level. He has made his Premier League debut and the aim now is to be the best player every week for the under-21s and, every time he goes up to train with the first-team, makes sure that he imposes himself. He’s certainly made great strides at such an early age.”

Newcastle teen making ‘great strides’

Miley really has made great strides at Newcastle during 2023, and already looks very comfortable alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier.

Young players can often look shy when they come on, but not Miley. If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t think he is 17.

But for all his talent, minutes will be hard to come by this season. He will be competing with Bruno, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson for a place in Howe’s midfield.

That could lead to some disappointment for Miley, who might have to focus on youth football if he does remain at St James’ Park rather than go out on loan.

But he must know that his time will come. He is only 17, and is getting better and better week after week in the eyes of Watson.

As the former Newcastle player says, all Miley can do is take his chance when it comes his way.