It's been a remarkable rise for Lewis Miley since being given his first professional contract by Newcastle United in February as he was rewarded with his first Premier League start in their match against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday 11 November.
The 17-year-old became Newcastle's youngest Premier League debutant when he was brought on by Eddie Howe in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on the final day of the 2022/23 season.
But who is the midfielder born only 25 minutes away from St. James' Park and has been at the club since the age of seven?
Miley's beginnings
Miley's first taste of competitive football came in 2021 where he was a key member of Newcastle's Under-18 squad.
He played 24 times in the Premier League's U18 competition, scoring twice and providing two assists. Miley also featured twice in the FA Youth Cup that season.
Miley continued to progress in Newcastle's youth setup. He played nine times in Premier League 2 the following season, and starred in several matches as he produced five assists and scored twice in those encounters.
And then came the proud moment for Miley against Chelsea last season as he was brought on by Howe in the 75th minute.
“Go and enjoy yourself,” were Howe’s final instruction to Miley as the player revealed to The Athletic.
Miley has also represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 levels, and would have played with the U17s at the European Championship in Slovakia in May, but instead made his debut at Chelsea, and it was a decision he was glad he made.
“It was confusing at the time,” Miley told The Athletic. “I was sad I didn’t play at the Euros — but I think I’d have rather made my debut at Chelsea!
“I think it was my third game on the bench. The staff just kept telling us to warm up, but then I heard the gaffer shout for me, and JT (assistant coach Jason Tindall) as well. I was just buzzing about that. Got my shirt straight on.”
Miley also nearly crowned his Premier League debut with a goal, but his shot grazed the bar from outside the box.
But the second time he faced Chelsea, on Saturday 25 November, Miley recorded his first league assist after producing a wonderful pass for Alexander Isak that gave Newcastle the lead.
Indeed, Miley's assist meant he became the sixth-youngest player to assist a Premier League goal, joining the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney in the list.
Youngest assisters in league history
| Player | Age of assist | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Lennon | 16y 199d | Leeds | Arsenal |
| Wayne Rooney | 16y 297d | Everton | Spurs |
| Jonathan Leko | 17y 21d | West Brom | Liverpool |
| Cesc Fabregas | 17y 110d | Arsenal | Middlesbrough |
| Jordan Ibe | 17y 162d | Liverpool | QPR |
| Lewis Miley | 17y 208d | Newcastle | Chelsea |
Miley continued to progress, he was part of Newcastle's squad in the Premier League Summer Series, and against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday became their youngest player to represent the club in the competition.
With 12 players out through injury or suspension, Newcastle are stretched right now.
But their future looks to be in good hands with Miley as he hopes to join the footsteps of players from Newcastle to star for the club.