Newcastle United player removed from squad amid significant injury blow

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has explained his decision to pull Lewis Miley from the England under-17s squad.

Miley was called up by the Three Lions for this month’s European Championship in Hungary - which got underway last week - but was asked to stay on Tyneside.

The 17-year-old was named in only his second-ever Premier League matchday squad for Thursday’s 4-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion due to injuries in the squad.

Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie and Joe Willock are out for the rest of the season, while Sean Longstaf and Jacob Murphy are in a race to play against this season.

“Yeah, definitely really tough because part of me definitely wanted Lewis to go away and represent his country, that would have been a great experience for him,” said Howe.

“But then you have to take the viewpoint that I felt his club needed him here. We have a very, very small squad currently, a lot of injuries building up with the end of season and what the players have given. So he’s got an important part to play.”

Miley is likely to be involved in Newcastle’s two remaining fixtures against Leicester City and Chelsea, and Howe has no qualms about putting him on the pitch if the injury problems persist.

Howe said: “Lewy’s a real talent. Now he’s been training with the team, I wouldn’t necessarily say consistently all season, but (for) the majority, I’d say he’s been with us.

“The biggest compliment I can give him is that he hasn’t looked out of place. He’s looked like part of the group. For someone so young, technically, to survive within the group is no mean feat.

“Some of the drills we do are very difficult. He’s survived in those drills, and that’s a big thing. So I would have no question marks about putting him in. Whether he’s ready or not, that will come down to how he performs.”

Miley 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.

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.