Newcastle United 17-year-old set for surprise call-up v Brighton & Hove Albion

Newcastle United are likely to involve Lewis Miley in tonight’s Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion (kick-off 7:30pm).

Miley was called by England - who play Croatia in their Group D opener this evening - for this month’s European Championship in Hungary. However - as first reported by The Athletic - the Magpies have pulled Miley from the tournament.

The 17-year-old is on standby for the matchday squad as United struggle with injuries. Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie are out for the rest of the season, Sean Longstaff is still absent with a foot injury and Jacob Murphy is a doubt because of a sore groin.

Miley, who has been on Newcastle’s books since the age of seven, was previously named on the bench for the Magpies’ Premier League visit to Bournemouth in February.

He has regularly trained with Eddie Howe’s first-team this season and made his debut during the 5-0 win over Al Hilal in December. A week later, he then featured against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano in front of 34,000 fans at St James’ Park.

Miley is considered one of United’s brightest prospects and was rewarded with a first professional contract a few weeks ago.

“I’ve said it many times I believe in that (homegrown players) so much,” Howe said last month. “I think it’s hugely important.

“Now I’m in a difficult position, because I can only prompt players through the Academy who I feel are good enough to play in the Premier League.

“That’s such a difficult thing to do, such a difficult journey to go on to get from the Academy through to the first team at any football club, but especially in the Premier League.

“Now Lewy’s got’s an amazing chance to do that at his age. He’s got all the attributes he needs. Now he needs a little bit of luck to continue o the path that he’s gone.”

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