Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley has responded to comments from pundit Jamie Carragher in the perfect way against Nottingham Forest.
The 18-year-old started his first Premier League game of the season at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon. The start came after he played the second half in last week’s defeat against Manchester City.
Miley’s absence so far this season has mainly been due to injury. He made a return to the bench in October for for games, but missed the further five games, before returning to action in December.
Ahead of the game against Forest, Carragher, who was covering the game as a pundit for Sky Sports seem to be surprised at the player not kicking on after making 30 appearances in all competitions last season. The pundit didn’t however acknowledge how long the player has been injured for.
“I am [pleased to see him back]. As you just mentioned there, what he did was create a little bit of history being so young for Newcastle and playing,” he told Sky Sports before the game. “But, I think as a youngster, and we’ve all been there, you feel like you want to kick on the next season.
“It just doesn’t feel like he’s kicked on when you look at it in terms of playing time. It’s interesting Sean Longstaff who has normally been ahead of him for the majority of this season before [Sandro] Tonali became a mainstay in that midfield, it’s maybe given him a chance, or maybe he’s jumped ahead of him.
“You actually look at the size and the presence of the lad, he’s probably had a real growth spurt as well the last season. Sometimes that can take it out of you as well a young player. He’ll feel like he’ll want a really strong end to the season and feel like he’s moved on last season.”
Miley responded to the comments in the perfect way in the first half against Forest. Newcastle did find themselves 1-0 down thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s opener, but they hit back in the 23rd minute when Miley finished brilliantly past Matz Sels.
That goal started a avalanche of three further goals from Eddie Howe’s side in the next 11 minutes. Jacob Murphy gave Newcastle the lead, before Alexander Isak scored a penalty awarded for a handball. Isak was on the scoresheet again just one minute later to make it 4-1, 10 minutes before half time.
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge heaped praise on Miley with his goal influential in Newcastle’s comeback. He said:”A big moment for him, it’s his first game in a long time, it’s over a year, so for him to come back into the team, to get his opportunity.
“The first touch here, absolutely brilliant, the finish, through the bodies, low and hard it’s what it’s all about. You can see here, it goes through defenders’ legs, one, two, it’s just a fantastic finish, really proud of the young boy and happy he’s scored his goal.”
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