Eddie Howe has already stressed he is keen for Lewis Miley to remain at Newcastle United next season after hailing the teenager as an 'exciting talent'. The academy graduate made his senior debut from the bench in the final-day draw at Chelsea, and came close to netting a memorable winner after seeing his late effort clip the crossbar.
It was almost a perfect end to a memorable campaign for Miley, who only made his debut at under-21 level several months prior. Having netted four goals in his first four appearances for the second-string, the teenager was one of five academy prospects to join Howe's squad for the mid-season training camp in Saudi Arabia.
Miley signed his first professional contract last month after celebrating his 17th birthday, and was included in the final three Premier League matchday squads. Following his encouraging cameo against Chelsea, Howe does not want to burden the attacking midfielder with too much 'expectation' but would like to continue working with him at senior level in the new season.
Former Magpies full-back Warren Barton believes the Newcastle head coach should copy Pep Guardiola's strategy in the development of Phil Foden at Manchester City. While not drawing any comparisons on the abilities and potential of the two players, the Fox Sports pundit reckons the Magpies will shun any loan interest and ensure the recent debutant remains in the senior setup and gradually banks more first-team minutes.
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Barton told ChronicleLive: "I think you look at Phil Foden when he was first at Man City, Pep identified him as someone he liked and Eddie has done the same with Miley. I think you keep him around the players with the first team, he's maybe not one you send out on loan too quickly. You want to get him comfortable.
"I was delighted for him, his interview was very good and you could tell he was excited for what had just happened at Stamford Bridge which is a big stadium. It's pleasing for him to be involved, probably a bit surreal too.
"If Eddie does like him, he'll have him around the group of players to figure out what it's like to play against a Trippier and a Joelinton all of the time. They did it with Foden, they let others out on loan but they kept the one they fancied to break into the first team and play him in cup competitions and latter stages of certain games.
"That seems to be what could happen with Miley because he is still finding his way as a player. Others might need to get out on loan, but he's trying to find his feet to become a top player and how you look after yourself off the pitch."
