Eddie Howe has been left with decisions to make after Newcastle United lost three of their last four Premier League games.
Saturday’s 4-0 hammering at the hands of Omar Marmoush and Manchester City added to the 4-1 Bournemouth defeat at St. James’ Park – the same venue where Fulham were rightful victors in our last home league game.
The Toon boss has been presented with selection headaches with Joelinton and Sven Botman ruled out against City, although a younger member of the squad stepping into the team and laying his claim for minutes.
Lewis Miley has cemented his spot above Sean Longstaff in the pecking order and is being considered for a start against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, reports Chris Waugh at The Athletic.
Waugh said: “Miley’s progress is viewed as vital and, having been slowly reintegrated over the past few months following a series of injuries, the 18-year-old has now moved ahead of Longstaff in terms of theoretical pecking order.
“Their differing skills mean that one may be preferred to the other for specific occasions, but Howe singled out Miley for praise following his second-half cameo at the Etihad and it is the younger of the two Geordies who is pushing for a start against Nottingham Forest.”
With Joelinton unlikely to be back on Sunday it would be little surprise if Miley gets the nod over Joe Willock, who was brought off at half-time for the teenager after a disappointing opening 45 at the Etihad.
Miley impressed Howe after joining play at the interval with his boyhood club already 3-0 down to a Marmoush hat-trick, and was singled out by his manager as the one “big positive” after a mature display in the centre of the park.
It has been a privilege to watch one of our own rapidly bloom into a Premier League midfielder after making his debut on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign against Chelsea to become our youngest ever Premier League player.
The Stanley lad must be allowed the opportunity to continue to develop his understanding of the game and there is no better way to do that than on the pitch. Miley returned from injury this season having filled out physically, and has looked sharp despite his previous absence.
While I can respect it was the right decision to ease the 18-year-old back into action to avoid recurring injury, and that his casual reintegration into the squad has helped catch him up to speed, he made his first sub appearance against Ipswich back before Christmas and has started both FA Cup games since.
Miley has every right to start in what will be a difficult test against Nottingham Forest, going to toe-to-toe with fellow boyhood Mag Elliot Anderson, even if he gets 60 minutes and then is rested.
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