One To Watch: Miley hitting all the right notes for Toon

St James' Park enjoyed another memorable afternoon last Saturday as Newcastle thrashed Chelsea 4-1 and it was a particularly special occasion for Lewis Miley.

The midfielder, 17, made his full home debut for the Magpies and became the youngest player to assist in the English top flight in over seven years, teeing up Alexandar Isak for the opener.

After earning praise from his manager and team-mates, we take a look at the Toon academy graduate in more detail as he gets set to face Paris Saint-Germain in tonight's Champions League tie.

Tyneside triumph

Miley was the catalyst for Newcastle's rampant performance against Mauricio Pochettino's men and he quickly put to bed any suggestions that his involvement was an act of desperation by Eddie Howe.

Injuries have plagued the Magpies so far this term but the homegrown hero's ability to compete with the top flight's toughest competitors may ease the owners' need to sign a new midfielder in January.

Newcastle have been big spenders in the transfer market since being taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in October 2021 but Howe has proved the club still have a local pool of talent to aid their growing ambitions.

Miley's defence-splitting pass into Isak was described by the head coach as "well beyond his years" and even the goalscorer himself looked surprised at the level his team-mate was performing at.

Miles ahead

Next up for Newcastle is a crunch European clash with PSG and Miley may earn more minutes if Howe is to listen to the glowing review given to the media by Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian international said: "Lewis Miley is massive. He's a star, only 17 years old. He is so great.

"To have that talent, [it was] an unbelievable performance from him. He played very well, I'm very happy for him."

Howe agreed with the comments from his star midfielder and lavished some praise of his own after the comprehensive victory over Chelsea.

He said: "I think he is ready. He has a great temperament for these occasions.

"The thing I loved about him after the game on Saturday, it was just another game for him."

Toon talent

A lot has changed at Newcastle in the last two years but Miley was involved with the first team before he sat his GCSEs.

Equipped with a dynamic range of passing and a thirst to prove himself, the teenager has now featured in two top-flight matches this season — previously getting a 66-minute run out at Bournemouth before the international break.

Miley has shown himself to be capable in both attack and defence having assisted against Chelsea but also recovering the ball five times for his team.

And the youngster was more than happy to reflect on his performance against the Blues.

He said: "It was a brilliant feeling after the ball hit the back of the net and hearing the noise of the crowd when we scored. It was a great moment for me.

"I got told by Alex during the celebrations after I passed to him to keep doing that and it’s really good to hear that kind of encouragement from players who are playing at international level. It gives me more belief as a player.

"I really enjoyed playing at St James’ Park, especially getting almost a full game and scoring four goals in front of the home crowd."

At the Parc des Princes this evening, Miley will face his toughest test yet.