Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has once again heaped praise on 19-year-old Lewis Miley after another eye-catching performance from the youngster at right-back.
Miley has been deployed out of position on the right side of defence due to a number of injury problems at the back and has impressed, chipping in with goals, assists and claiming the club’s Player of the Month award for December.
The teenager made a decisive impact in Sunday’s 2–0 victory over Crystal Palace at St James’ Park, supplying the assist for Bruno Guimaraes’ opening goal. Malick Thiaw then extended Newcastle’s advantage late on, finishing from a Guimaraes corner.
The result lifted Newcastle up to ninth in the Premier League table, their highest standing of the campaign so far.
Speaking after the game, Howe said: “It’s a better position but we’ve got more work to do. We’ve got a massive month ahead. We need to build some momentum and confidence and today is a big step forward.
“It was a tough game, it always is against Palace. Oliver has done an amazing job. We had to be patient. It was bitty at times. I think the substitutions made a difference and helped us over the lines.
“I think they were two good moves for the goals that weren’t. We needed that first goal to relax us. I think we got better and better in the game.”
‘Incredible’ Lewis Miley praised by Eddie Howe:
Miley had caught the eye in midfield for Newcastle before the defensive injury crisis prompted Howe to shift him to right-back.
However, the academy product has adapted seamlessly to the switch and is quickly establishing himself as an important figure in Howe’s squad.
“He’s been incredible since he came into the team,” Howe told Sky Sports. You wouldn’t know it [isn’t his natural position]. He’s excelled in this position [at full-back]. He’s doing a great job in the team.”
Newcastle are back in action on Wednesday night with another home fixture, this time against Leeds United. That is followed by an FA Cup clash with AFC Bournemouth next weekend and a Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City, making it four consecutive games at St James’ Park.
The victory over Palace also extended Newcastle’s unbeaten home run to 11 matches in all competitions, with nine of those ending in wins.