Shay Given jokes Lewis Miley’s friends will miss Champions League debut v Paris Saint-Germain - ‘They’re all at school!’
Updated 28/11/2023 at 22:26 GMT
Lewis Miley's rapid rise to promience continued in the French capital after Eddie Howe named the teenager in Newcastle's starting line-up to face Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial must-not-lose UEFA Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes. Miley was rewarded for his hugely impressive display in the 4-1 win over Chelsea with his first start in Europe's premier club cup compeition.
'They're all at school!' - Given jokes Miley won't have any friends watching him in Paris
Video credit: TNT Sports
Shay Given joked that Lewis Miley’s friends will miss out on seeing the 17-year-old making his UEFA Champions League debut against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, as "they are all at school".
The 17-year-old earned his Champions League start against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, and Given lauded the midfielder for making such rapid progress at a tender age.
“I was chatting to the player liaison officer, who asked him if he was nervous and he said: 'no I'm not nervous, it's just another game,'” Given told TNT Sports.
“He is years beyond himself and so level-headed on the pitch. When he gets the ball, he’s so calm, and that assist for Alexander Isak’s goal at the weekend [v Chelsea] was special.
“It’s an opportunity as well with the injuries that Newcastle have, and he made a statement at the weekend against Chelsea. I think he’s going to be around the squad for the rest of the season.
“I’m over here with Newcastle, and some of their staff were asking: ‘are any of your friends coming to the to the game tonight?’
“He replies, ‘no they're all at school!’ So it's mad when you think all his friends are at school and he's playing here in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappe. It’s unbelievable.”
Rio Ferdinand added to the plaudits for Miley and said the midfielder’s maturity beyond his years will stand him in great stead going forward.
“Temperament at this level is so key,” he explained.
“When you’re a young kid in this type of atmosphere, in this type of game, being able to cope with that overrides your ability.
“If you can control yourself here and treat it like any other game, you have a real chance of producing a decent performance in your first game in the Champions League.”
“So, I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
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