Miley puts the smiley back with a birthday gift for Howe

THERE have been times this season when Eddie Howe, one of life's most fresh-faced characters, has looked every one of his 48 years.

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Those times have been mainly when he has been somewhere other than St James Park.

But on his birthday on the Mersey, the sunbeam smile returned.

And one of those chiefly responsible for restoring it was a player yet to turn 20 years of age. A player brought through the ranks, a local lad with a glittering future.

Lewis Miley’s goal and assist will not trouble the end-of-season highlights.

His corner-kick for Matick Thiaw’s opener was good but routine, his strike was kindly waved through by Jordan Pickford. But his all-round game was wonderfully accomplished.

This is a player who will be a major part of Newcastle's long-term plans. One who should go on to be a major part of England’s long-term plans.

Thomas Tuchel is well-stocked in midfield, so World Cup 2026 will surely come too soon, but Miley’s eye for a pass, his composure, his maturity and his deceptive robustness will see him elevated to the senior national side before too long.