Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has lauded Lewis Miley's versatility and team spirit, highlighting the teenager's match-winning goal in the Carabao Cup quarter-final as a "reward" for his positive reaction to playing as a makeshift right-back. The 19-year-old, primarily a midfielder, showcased his adaptability by filling in defensively during Newcastle's 2-1 victory over Fulham.
Yoane Wissa initiated the scoring for Newcastle in the 10th minute, but Fulham quickly responded with Sasa Lukic's header six minutes later. With the game seemingly headed for a penalty shootout, Miley stepped up in stoppage time, heading home a corner from Sandro Tonali to secure Newcastle's place in the semi-finals.
Howe revealed that Miley's move to right-back was necessitated by Lewis Hall feeling tightness in his hamstring and Tino Livramento being forced off during the match. Despite the unfamiliar role, Miley embraced the challenge, impressing Howe with his calmness and level-headedness. "When I told him this morning 'I'm going to play you at right-back' his sort of reaction was typical Lewy, 'OK' and nodded his head," Howe said.
The manager emphasized that Miley's willingness to put the team first was a key factor in his success. "The fact he did it for the team and did it in such a good way, I think you get rewarded for that and his goal, I think, is that," Howe explained. He also acknowledged Miley's growing aerial threat, recalling his previous goal against Leverkusen and noting his height advantage. "He's six foot four, should contribute, but I think that is part of his game that will only get better, his physicality, and you can see his technical quality, so such a bright future," Howe added.
Miley's journey with Newcastle United began at the age of seven when he joined the club's academy. He made his first-team debut in a friendly against Al Hilal in 2022. His Premier League debut followed on May 28, 2023, against Chelsea, making him Newcastle's youngest-ever Premier League player. Before turning 18, Miley had already made 26 appearances for the Magpies, including Champions League matches, and scored his first senior goal against Fulham in December.
Howe's side is set to face Manchester City in the semi-finals as they aim to defend their trophy. Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Howe acknowledged the difficulty of facing Manchester City but expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete, referencing their previous victory against them this season. "Whoever we were going to get was going to be difficult,” Howe said. “I think Manchester City is probably the most difficult game we ever have to prepare for. I think they're an outstanding team".
