Newcastle United ready to unleash 6ft 4in 'secret weapon v Sunderland after fresh injury blow

Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley became the club’s youngest ever Champions League goalscorer with his goal in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen.

The 19-year-old broke Hugo Viana’s record to become Newcastle’s youngest scorer in the competition. Viana scored in Newcastle’s famous 3-2 win at Feyenoord back in 2002.

Miley’s goal came following his second-half introduction as a substitute as he headed in from Anthony Gordon’s cross.

But Miley’s progress from Newcastle’s academy to the first-team has seen him break several records for the club, all related to his age.

Miley made his first-team debut for Newcastle at Chelsea in May 2023 to become the club’s youngest ever Premier League player. He then followed it up by becoming the club’s youngest ever Premier League goalscorer, Premier League starter, Champions League player and Champions League assist maker by the end of 2023 at just 17-years-old.

Two seasons on and Miley is still young enough to be representing Newcastle’s Under-21s side but is instead scoring goals in Europe’s elite club competition. The midfielder also scored in Newcastle’s recent 4-1 win at Everton in the Premier League.

With recent games raising question marks over Newcastle’s midfield and the form of players like Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, Miley has certainly caught the eye and put himself in contention ahead of Sunday’s match against Sunderland.

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Lewis Miley reacts to record-breaking Newcastle United goal

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Miley said: “It was a great feeling to score my first goal in the Champions League, but really disappointed to see them concede late on like that. Still, it’s a good point and we move on to Sunday now.

“I think we showed great character in the second half. We got the goal back, hit the post a couple of times.

“I had one [chance] before that [goal], which I nearly got onto. And I just thought I needed to keep getting in the box. The second one, luckily I got onto it. I was buzzing to see it hit the back of the net. That was a special feeling.

“It’s really special every game I play. I love it. Hopefully I can keep playing more in this tournament and just keep pushing on.”

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Eddie Howe facing important Lewis Miley decision

Miley’s recent form has seen the youngester play himself in contention to come into Newcastle’s starting line-up on Sunday. In a game where the midfield battle could prove to be so important, Miley could be a secret weapon for Newcastle as his fellow midfielders struggle for consistency.

Tonali has been in and out of the side in recent matches following a couple of knocks, while Joelinton’s groin issue in Leverkusen saw Miley introduced from the bench.

“[Miley] is doing really well,” Howe said. “That’s all you can ask for from any player when they enter the pitch, really. They give their best, they contribute, they prove how good they are, and I think he did that in his time on the pitch.

“He scored a great goal. I'm really disappointed in him that it wasn't a match-defining moment.

“He's growing in his stature, and I mean aerially as well as physically. He's 6ft 4in, he should contribute aerially with the tools that he has, but that was a great header. You've seen his presence on the pitch.I think he's imposing himself more, and he's a very, very good player.”

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