EDDIE HOWE admits Newcastle United have to “learn the lessons” from Lewis Miley’s injury setbacks, after conceding that over-exertion was a major factor in the youngster’s problems.

Miley was back in a matchday squad for the first time this season at the weekend, having finally completed his recovery from his latest injury issue.

The 18-year-old missed the final two months of last season after sustaining a back injury while on international duty with England Under-20s in March. He returned to light training ahead of the start of pre-season, but then suffered a broken metatarsal that sidelined him for another three months.

Last season was a breakthrough season for the midfielder, but Howe accepts that came at a cost, with Miley starting 14 league games and four cup matches in a packed period between late November and mid-February that saw Howe having to patch up an injury-ravaged squad.

The Magpies boss accepts the teenager was asked to do too much, too soon, and is determined not to make the same mistake again, with Newcastle’s multiple midfield options meaning he can afford to gradually ease Miley back into action over the course of the next few weeks.

“I think he’s coming back into a great environment because he’s had a couple of injuries now, so returning from the latest problem that he’s had, it’s the best position for him to be going back into,” said Howe. “It’s not a case of us saying, ‘Right, he has to play – and he has to play when he’s probably not ready to play’.

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“I think the reason he got the injuries that he’s suffered is probably because we had to push him too hard because there were no alternative players to use during a really condensed period of football.

“So, learning the lessons from that will be really important. We can reintroduce him at the right time. He’s got some outstanding players to compete against, but that will only help Lewie learn and develop. Hopefully, we can keep the majority of our strength in midfield.”

Nevertheless, with Newcastle’s midfield having failed to sparkle on a number of occasions already this season, Howe is hoping Miley will prove a valuable asset.

The academy product boasts an energy and drive that helped power the Magpies on in the first half of last season, with his skillset markedly different to that of a Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes.

“Lewie came back into things during the international break and looked really good,” he said. “It looks like he’s not been away, which I probably expected with Lewie because he’s that kind of lad, very consistent.

“It’s just been great to see him. He’s a great player and we’re delighted to have him, but he’s another one where I’ve got to manage his reintroduction in the right way.”