Mason Miley Reflects on Debut Under-21s Start

In an exciting match at the Academy of Light, the Newcastle Under-21 team faced off against their local rivals, ending in a 1-1 draw. This match showcased the talent and determination of young players, particularly Mason Miley, who made a notable debut.

Mason Miley Reflects on Debut Under-21s Start

During the match, Newcastle’s defense faced an early challenge when Tom Lavery scored for the opposing team with a close-range header. However, the young Magpies quickly responded, equalizing through Anthony Munda’s composed finish.

Following the match, Miley expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “It’s good to get a point,” he stated. The 18-year-old midfielder highlighted the importance of teamwork and resilience after being forced to regroup following the concession of the first goal. He noted, “We could have picked up three as we had quite a few chances in the first-half.”

Preparation and Early Insights

Miley had been working hard to earn his spot. He had made two previous substitute appearances in the Premier League International Cup against Dinamo Zagreb and Benfica. Remarkably, he learned of his first full Under-21 start just hours before the game.

Reflecting on his unexpected promotion, Miley said, “I only found out this morning. It would normally be the day before, but the team changed.” Despite the short notice, he felt well-prepared. “I thought I’d done well the other day against Benfica. It’s always been coming, and I just had to take my chance.”

Progressing Through the Ranks

Miley’s journey began last summer when he signed a full-time scholarship with the Magpies’ Academy. Since then, he has seen steady progress, particularly benefiting from regular game time with the Under-18s.

• Previous appearances: 2 (Premier League International Cup)
• Notable match: Equalized for Newcastle against Wearside rivals
• Goals scored: 1 (Anthony Munda)

Looking ahead, Miley is eager to continue his development within the club’s youth setup. “I want to prove my quality with the chances I’m getting for the Under-21s,” he emphasized. With aspirations to earn more playing time this season, he sees each match as a valuable opportunity.

As the season progresses, the young midfielder remains focused on improving his performance and contributing to the team’s success. “It’s a step up, but getting these games under my belt is really good,” he concluded, looking forward to the upcoming fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.