Newcastle United 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen: Mason Miley was highlighted as one of the stars of Newcastle’s pre-season friendly defeat at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle hailed the ‘amazing’ Mason Miley following his first senior start for the club.
The 17-year-old was deployed at right-back against Bayer Leverkusen at St James’ Park and impressed in the position before being taken off with cramp in the closing stages. Shortly after his withdrawal, Leverkusen scored a second goal to claim a 2-1 victory and the Visit Malta trophy.
But with Newcastle lacking options at right-back, Jaissle was impressed with Miley’s performance on his first senior start.
Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United talks to Jacob Murphy and Mason Miley during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Everton at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on August 12, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United talks to Jacob Murphy and Mason Miley during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Everton at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on August 12, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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“Mason did an amazing job,” he sadi. “A young lad, getting out with cramps. I just mentioned that in the locker room, that this is the attitude we need. Really suffering till the end, till the tank is empty. Great, great attitude. So I'm really happy for him.”
With Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Liverpool just a week away and no natural right-back option as things stand, Jaissle was asked whether Miley was ready to start in the Premier League.
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“There is still time to Liverpool, we need to see,” Jaissle added. “But as you saw also today, he has the right heart and the right quality to do good, definitely.
“If he's getting the chance, why not [start against Liverpool]? But again, I think there's still also a couple of days to go in the transfer market. His brother can also play this position. So let's see what happens until Liverpool.”
As Jaissle subtly teased, the club are understood to be close to completing the signing of right-back Amar Dedic from Benfica for £30million with the 23-year-old expected on Tyneside for his medical. While Miley and his older brother Lewis can both play at right-back, their natural positions are in midfield.