‘Dreamt of it since I was a boy’ – Newcastle ace Miley, 19, admits scoring against Sunderland would be career highlight
LEWIS MILEY is living the dream with boyhood club Newcastle — but another goal against Sunderland would top the lot.
The 19-year-old came off the bench to score a brilliant header that put the Magpies 2-1 up at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.
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Lewis Miley claps Newcastle United fans after Champions League clashCredit: Getty
Eddie Howe is backing the youngsterCredit: Getty
His second goal in four matches looked to have won the Toon three precious points in Europe until Alejandro Grimaldo spoiled his big night at the death to earn the Germans a draw.
Miley’s header made him Newcastle’s youngest Champions League scorer — to add to his record of also being the youngest to play and provide an assist in the competition for his boyhood team.
On his latest accomplishment, midfielder Miley said: “It’s a great feeling, especially hearing that.
“It’s what I’ve dreamt of since I was a little boy really and, hopefully, I can keep doing that and pushing on.”
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Scoring in the Champions League is one thing but grabbing another to help slay the neighbouring Mackems on Sunday would be something else.
He added: “It would be a great feeling. Any goal you score for the club is a massive feeling and it would be great if I scored on Sunday again.
“I feel like I’m a good finisher. So I’ve just got to keep getting in the box.
“I’ve scored two goals in the past couple of weeks so, hopefully, I can keep doing that.”
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When asked what was his best memory of the North East derby, he said: “Probably the 5-1 win in 2010. That was a good one.
“I have attended them before and it’s a really good atmosphere. It’ll be another really good one on Sunday. It’s really exciting. All the lads will be looking forward to it.”
The Stanley-born whizkid grew up in the County Durham town that is split straight down the middle when it comes to being a Mag or Mackem.
But despite coming through school with numerous Sunderland fans, Miley says he no longer has those friendships now he is a star in black and white.
He said: “Not really, now. I try to keep it Newcastle really.”
Sunderland are unbeaten at home since their return to the top flight and go into the derby a point ahead of Eddie Howe’s men.
That has led to many making the promoted side led by Regis Le Bris favourites, currently in ninth place, to earn local bragging rights this weekend.
On being labelled the underdogs, Miley added: “Anyone can say anything. We just need to look at ourselves and keep going step by step and perform on Sunday.”
