Howe vows to 'protect' Miley after critics target teenager

Eddie Howe says Newcastle United will do all they can to "protect" Lewis Miley after the teenager received "totally unjustified" criticism on social media.

Miley chose to limit replies to a post he made on X to mark his 50th first-team game for Newcastle against Bournemouth on Sunday. It is understood this was a precaution as he is still young.

The 19-year-old came under fire from a minority of social media users, who questioned the midfielder's first-team credentials during the goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium, and Howe said it was "totally unjustified".

Howe knows such comments can affect players if they "absorb it", but the Newcastle head coach stressed Miley was "strong mentally".

"Lewie is an outstanding player and a player we need to support and protect," he said. "Sometimes, when you look at him, you forget how young he is because of his stature and maturity both on and off the pitch.

"All players need support, help and guidance. Anything other, I'd encourage the players to switch off from and just try to listen to the people that really matter in their lives like their family, friends and, of course, us. We will do everything we can to support him and treat him as the talent that we know he is."

Miley, who made his first Premier League start since February, praised Newcastle's "amazing" travelling support in his post on Sunday and wrote that he was "very proud" to have hit the milestone for his boyhood club.

The teenager has since received hundreds of messages of support from fans while captain Bruno Guimaraes wrote that his team-mate was a "top player and guy".

Though Joelinton said it was difficult to see fellow midfielder Miley "get stick", the Brazilian stressed genuine supporters were behind a "really good young player".

Howe recalled he was briefly on social media years ago, but the Newcastle head coach said he "cut it off because he didn't like what he read - even though they were probably right".

However, Howe suggested his players were unlikely to follow suit if he advised them to do so.

"I don't think I have the right to do that," he said. "I would advise them, probably. If it helps you, do whatever you need to do but if it doesn't, come away from it. It's all about how you absorb the things you are reading.

"It's about having a support network of family, friends, agents - a really close circle you trust. Together with the coaching staff, they are the big pillars of support you need as a player to produce your best football. Any other opinions really can be negative for you."