Lewis Miley has labelled his first goal for Newcastle United as a "special moment" following the Magpies' 3-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League at St James' Park on Saturday.
After losing each of their last three games in all competitions, Newcastle were boosted in their quest to claim maximum points against the Cottagers when Raul Jimenez was sent off for a bizarre high challenge into Sean Longstaff in the 22nd minute.
The Magpies lost both Fabian Schar and Joelinton to injury either side of Jimenez's dismissal and had to wait until the 57th minute to break the deadlock courtesy of a record-breaking goal from Miley.
At the age of just 17 years and 230 days, Miley became Newcastle's youngest-ever goalscorer in the Premier League when he fired a low right-footed shot into the far corner from inside the penalty area.
Miley, a boyhood Newcastle fan who joined the club's academy at the age of seven, has also become the youngest Premier League goalscorer of any club since former Manchester United forward Federico Macheda (17 years and 226 days) scored against Aston Villa back in April 2009.
Miguel Almiron doubled Newcastle's lead just seven minutes later before Dan Burn, returning from injury, bundled the ball over the line to net a third for the Magpies and seal a comfortable victory over Fulham.
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Speaking to NUFC TV after scoring his first senior goal for Newcastle, Miley said: "It was a really special moment for me and my family especially. To see the ball go in the back of the net was a really good moment for me and hopefully there's lots more [to come].
"[The goal] was everything I've dreamt of. I've been here as a boy watching all the games and once I scored I was buzzing. [Lots of] emotions going through me, especially when I celebrated in front of the fans, the fans are top here.
"I was happy to come on (as a substitute), it's not good about the injuries but to be back on the pitch again and put the top on again...I really enjoyed it."
Burn has heaped praise on the teenager, adding: "Absolutely buzzing for him. He deserves that. I think he's been amazing, every game I've seen him play he's been so composed. He's such a nice lad as well.
"For him to score at the Gallowgate End as a 17-year-old is amazing. I'm sure there's lots more to come.
"He's a great lad round the place, not very loud but you can always chat to him, and I'm just really happy for him. It speaks volumes of his family as well, the way he has been brought up. Really, really happy for him, couldn't have happened to a nicer lad."
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Manager Eddie Howe also expressed his delight at Miley's first goal and recent performances in the first team, adding: "Delighted for him. I think of his most memorable moments - the assist against Chelsea and the assist in the Champions League for Joelinton in midweek.
"Today was his moment. Did he have the composure to score a massive goal in our season in front of the Gallowgate? Yes he did."
Asked why Miley began as a substitute, Howe said: "I'm trying to protect him. His performances have been incredible but at 17 he is playing a lot of games. He was then thrust back into action [following Joelinton's injury] and he showed his maturity and professionalism and was ready to play.
"He is very popular in the dressing room, personality wise and as a player - the players love him on the pitch."
Discussing the importance of Newcastle's win, Howe said: "After midweek, that was a difficult experience for us. The players are human beings, they feel the emotion and live in the city, you can't get away from the highs and lows that follow so today they did incredibly well to hold their nerve and hopefully it will give us confidence for the games coming up."
Newcastle have climbed to sixth in the Premier League table, five points behind the top four, and they will now turn their attention to Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Oliver Thomas
