Newcastle United v Bournemouth: How Louis Miley silenced the critics

It’s been quite a trip.

Miley, whose three brothers are also talented north-east footballers, became Newcastle’s youngest player to score and create a goal in the Premier League, aged 17.

He also remains the youngest player in Champions League history to assist a goal for an English club after making an assist against Milan in 2023.

James Huntley came through the ranks at Newcastle’s academy, and was on the bench when the midfielder played against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in his breakout season.

“He was excellent in that match,” he said. “Playing fearlessly in the Champions League against one of the best teams was a huge stepping stone.

It was his breakout season and it was great for him to do it at 17 years old.

“But I’ve known Louis since I was little and he’s never changed. He’s still the same kid. It’s never crossed my mind.”

This is just another reason why Miley serves as an inspiration to those coming to Newcastle.

The club’s academy meeting rooms, which overlook the first-team training pitches, are named after Miley and Elliot Anderson, the latest graduates to make their Premier League debut.

Although Newcastle reluctantly sold England midfielder Anderson to Nottingham Forest – to avoid breaching their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in 2024 – his emotional departure has only made the club more determined to hold on to their other crown jewel.

This is a player who, like Anderson, looks destined to play in central midfield for many years to come, but his versatility will only serve to cement Howe’s deep confidence in him.

“If you gave Lewis a pair of goalkeeping gloves, I don’t think he would bat an eyelid,” Nugent added. “He was going to come in and give it a chance.”