Miley is still waiting to make his first competitive start for the club, but the midfielder put in a solid performance to help the Magpies to a 4-0 win over Girona on Friday night. The 20-year-old was deployed in a ‘number six’ role with Joelinton and Sean Longstaff either side of a central three.
Longstaff scored twice and Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon also scored in the first half to help Newcastle to a comfortable pre-season win.
When asked about Miley’s performance in the game, Howe drew comparisons to the actor’s younger brother, telling The Gazette: “It’s a lazy comparison but it was a very Lewy Miley performance and I think that’s a huge compliment because it was very composed. the ball and very diligent with the ball, I thought he really helped us.
“Good tactics, but not easy for someone so young to come and do it. As always with Jamie, he’s very level-headed and calm. It’s going to be a big moment in his career and I was pleased with how he did it.”
Miley told The Gazette in Japan that he could push for a loan move in the coming season to secure regular first-team football.
The youngster said: “We’ll see what happens in the next few weeks and before the end of the transfer window and maybe I can go out on loan but I’m not sure yet.
“I would like to stay in the league, but wherever I get the chance to play, I want to play as many minutes as possible as regular first-teamers, so hopefully I can do that this season.”
And when asked if the plan was to take Miley on loan this summer, Howe said: “We’ll always make individual decisions but he’s certainly someone who falls into the category who could benefit from a loan.
“I think this pre-season we’ve seen a big jump in his performance and renewed confidence. He’s looking good physically, so let’s wait and see what happens.”