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Newcastle are hoping to welcome back one of last season's shining lights after a lengthy injury

Newcastle United wonderkid Lewis Miley has stepped up his recovery after a lengthy period on the sidelines with an injury.

The 18-year-old shared two photos of himself controlling the ball in training on his Instagram story in an encouraging message to supporters ahead of the Brighton & Hove Albion clash at the weekend.

The post was reshared by retired Premier League striker Danny Graham, who despite playing for Sunderland, has always been a lifelong fan of Newcastle United.

Miley's return to training has attracted plenty of excitement on social media with several Newcastle supporters, who are looking forward to seeing him provide competition to the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock in a midfield stacked with talent.

One user posted on X: "Feel's crazy that Miley hasn't played in 7 months. Let's hope he comes back much stronger."

Another added: "He's gonna be a top top player and I think he'll show a lot of fans what he's made of this season."

Miley made his first appearance for Newcastle in the final minutes of a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in May 2023 - becoming the Magpies youngest Premier League player at just 17 years and 27 days.

He made his first full start in a 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City in September and went on to emerge as a hugely important part of Eddie Howe's team in a period where the Magpies struggled with injuries.

Miley played a total of 26 appearances last season - including three in the Champions League and registered one goal and four assists during the campaign.

Miley, who can operate both as a defensive midfielder and behind the striker, has been capped for England at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-20 level over the last 12 months and has been lauded for his excellent composure and creativity on the ball.

His most recent appearance for Howe's team came during a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the quarter-final of the FA Cup in March.

He is understood to be an outsider contender to make the squad against Brighton this weekend, but a more realistic return is likely to come against Chelsea on Sunday 27 October.