'Frustrating' - Newcastle United midfielder reacts after surgery rules him out for six weeks

The 20-year-old joined the League Two side on August 29 on a season-long deal but needed to undergo hernia surgery less than a week after making his debut against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy.

That ruled Miley out for around six weeks before returning to action on Tuesday night as he played 70 minutes in The Exiles’ 2-0 victory at Gillingham.

“It felt good to be out there, it’s been a long time coming,” Miley said after the game. “It’s been a frustrating time with injury over the last few weeks, but I was delighted to get back out on the pitch and get the three points.

"I found out yesterday morning (Monday) that I knew I was going to be playing. I texted my family straight away, they were really pleased and they said they would be watching.

“The game was a bit different to my first game against Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy, a lot more second balls and a bit of back and fourth, but you’ve got to get used to that as a midfielder.

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“We had to work really hard for that win tonight, but It was thoroughly deserved for everyone.

“I got a taste for what it’s like tonight to play in League Two and I want to keep my place in the team going forward. As a team, we're just all excited for the next game now against Fleetwood.”

The Magpies are watching Miley’s progress at Newport with a keen eye after he featured regularly for Eddie Howe’s first-team in pre-season.

With younger brother Lewis sidelined because of a metatarsal fracture and Sandro Tonali still suspended at the time, Miley played in friendlies against SpVgg Unterhaching, Hull City and Urawa Red Diamonds before making his senior St James’ Park bow versus Girona.

Speaking after the Girona win, Howe said: “It’s a lazy comparison but it was a very Lewy Miley type performance and I mean that as a massive compliment because he was very composed on the ball and very diligent off the ball, I thought he really helped us.

“Good tactically which isn’t easy for someone so young to come in and deliver that. As always with Jamie, he’s very level-headed and calm. That will have been a big moment in his career and I was delighted with how he did.”