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Eddie Howe believes Lewis Miley has returned from his injury problems as a better player.
The 18-year-old made his first Premier League appearance in nine months as an 80th minute substitute in Newcastle United’s 4-0 victory at Ipswich Town on Saturday. Miley had previously been sidelined between March and October, first because of a back injury before he sustained a broken metatarsal just days before pre-season was due to get underway.
Miley completed his return with a very brief cameo in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Chelsea but had to wait another seven weeks before making another first-team appearance which came at Portman Road at the weekend. He did, however, in that period make a few outings for the under-21s.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is replaced by Lewis Miley during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Newcastle United and Chelsea. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is replaced by Lewis Miley during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Newcastle United and Chelsea. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is replaced by Lewis Miley during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Newcastle United and Chelsea. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle have been keen to handle the teenager’s recovery with extra care on the back of a breakthrough campaign where he thrust into Premier League and Champions League action due to an unprecedented amount of injuries.
“I think he is handling himself really well,” said Howe. “He’s training well behind the scenes. We’ve tried to be really careful with him and make sure there has been no recurrence of his injury.
“For someone so young and the physical demands that he faced last year, we feel this year we needed to manage that and respect that and make sure we give him the best chance of staying fit and look after him at such an early stages in his career.
“But he’s looking good now and I’d say physically he’s looked stronger than last year naturally, he’s worked hard in the gym and his body is turning into a man’s body. I’m really pleased with his progress.”
Although Miley has played just 11 minutes of senior football this season, Howe sees no reason why he isn’t a better player than last year.
He told NewcastleWorld: “As you say, it is a difficult one to answer but I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be. He's definitely physically in a much better place than he was and that's just through development of his muscles and body as he gets into that transition phase from 17 to 18, that is a big age for any young man.
Lewis Miley of Newcastle in action during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Newcastle United FC at Portman Road on December 21, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Lewis Miley of Newcastle in action during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Newcastle United FC at Portman Road on December 21, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Lewis Miley of Newcastle in action during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Newcastle United FC at Portman Road on December 21, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“I think technically, tactically he will naturally improve because he'll become more street-wise about the game but he's still got the same qualities, I've seen that in training. His passing range, calmness on the ball, and decision-making for such a young player really sets him apart.
“I'd loved to think he'd be in a really good place. Now of course, he'll need games to find his rhythm and that's going to be difficult to guarantee him at the moment with the strength of the midfield but certainly he's going to play a part in the short-term and the long-term future for us, he's such an important player.”
“I think Lewy himself is very mature for his age,” Howe added. “I think he is treated as a proper player, no one has had to take him under their wing because of how he’s handled himself. He’s not needed that reassuring presence above him, he’s very individualed and very strong-willed.
“I think there is a lot of respect there internally in our midfield, you look at the players and qualities the six midfielders we have at the moment bring. It’s healthy competition. As much as they will look at Lewy and want to help and look after him, they know he is snapping at their heels to take their place.”
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