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Newcastle United's Lewis Miley hailed by Eddie Howe as 'incredible talent' after 'special' captaincy moment in UEFA Champions League

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In the latest episode of The Breakdown, Eddie Howe lauded Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley, who has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season. Howe also reflected on the moment local lad and boyhood Toon fan Miley took the captain's armband in the UEFA Champions League against PSV. Watch Newcastle v Tottenham Hotspur live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'Homegrown hero' Miley puts Newcastle into the lead

Video credit: TNT Sports

Eddie Howe has praised teenager Lewis Miley’s "incredible talent" after he briefly took the Newcastle United captain’s armband in the UEFA Champions League.

Miley, 19, assumed the responsibility during the closing stages of The Magpies’ 3-0 win over PSV in the league phase last month.

The midfielder has seen his minutes skyrocket this season, recently slotting into right-back to cover for injuries to Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier.

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Speaking on the latest episode of The Breakdown before Newcastle's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Howe said: "An incredible player, an incredible talent.

"We knew he could play in different positions but this year it has really come to the fore.

"He’s done so well at right-back. Sometimes he has played at centre-half, he has taken every single position in his stride.

"He’s adding qualities all the time to his game, adding new things, but I think deep down you've got a really, really good technical footballer who’s a great athlete.

"He’s also a great person and a great character, so I think you put all those qualities together, I think you’ve got a great player."

Miley relishes ‘special’ captaincy moment

With three minutes to go against PSV at St James’ Park and the match put to bed, Howe made his final substitution as he looked to manage Trippier’s minutes.

As the England international walked off, he made a beeline towards Miley and slipped the armband on to the teenager from Stanley with a quick pat on the back.

It was a gesture not lost on the Toon Army, who immediately applauded and started chanting his name.

Howe denied that the gesture was just for show, and instead lauded Trippier’s initiative to give the duties to a player who is set to be instrumental in Newcastle’s long-term future.

'They like that!' - Newcastle Captain Trippier gives Miley the armband after going off

Video credit: TNT Sports

The head coach said: "That was all Kieran. He’s by Lewis, but I think he has purposefully given him the armband.

"A great moment for Lewis and just a marker of Kieran’s professionalism and his understanding of the game, how much that means to everyone.

"The captain’s armband here is a huge thing and it was a great moment for Lewis to experience that in the final few stages of the game."

Miley was equally nonplussed and delighted to get the honour.

He said: "It was just random really. It was great. I’ve watched this club all my life and to put the armband on in the Champions League. All my family were there so it couldn’t be any better."

Miley first gained notoriety as a 17-year-old, thrust into the limelight in 2023 due to Sandro Tonali’s suspension and injuries to Elliot Anderson and Joelinton.

He became Newcastle’s youngest Premier League goalscorer that December, but his minutes in 2024 were hampered by back and metatarsal injuries.

Highlights: Ruthless Newcastle ease past PSV

Video credit: TNT Sports

However, this season he has participated in 19 of Newcastle’s 25 Premier League games and his versatility could be useful given The Magpies’ star-studded midfield options.

While he is needed at right-back in the short-term, he could challenge 29-year-old Joelinton’s spot in midfield, or provide cover for Tonali, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Watch the Premier League, including Newcastle's trip to Tottenham Hotspur this Tuesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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