Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United must ‘review’ where Elliot Anderson plies his trade this summer having impressed during his loan transfer to Bristol Rovers, via Chronicle Live.
Anderson joined the League Two outfit for the rest of the season in January after spending the opening months on the fringes under Steve Bruce and later Howe. Neither handed the 19-year-old any game time, as he awaits a third senior outing following his debut last term.
Howe accepted Anderson could not continue to serve as an occasional unused substitute, so sanctioned a temporary move. And the Scotland U21 maestro has justified the decision, netting three and assisting two goals in 12 appearances so far, of which he has started 11.
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has even compared Anderson to Argentina icon Diego Maradona for his Memorial Stadium performances. He may now return to the south west next season if the Pirates secure promotion, with the club currently eying a play-off spot.
A queue of clubs are monitoring Anderson’s performances with a view to securing a deal of their own this summer. A step that may lead to further Premier League minutes in the coming seasons, after playing just three during his top-flight debut at Arsenal last January.
Howe states Newcastle ‘will have to review’ Elliot Anderson situation after loan
Howe will review Anderson’s situation when the midfielder returns to Newcastle from his loan transfer with Bristol Rovers. The Toon boss also felt he was already prepared to play at a higher level than League Two, but gaining regular senior minutes was more important.
“I am so pleased for him,” Howe said. “When we came, in you could see he was a player of undoubted quality. I’d heard a lot of good things before working with him. He’s got a great attitude, he stays behind every day to work on certain aspects of his game.
“I was aware that he needed to go and play. We wanted that for him, we’re delighted he’s doing so well. I have said before it’s not a total surprise to me.
“I think he can play a lot higher than League Two but he has taken his opportunity. We will have to review it as we will with every player in the summer.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
