Teen sensation Elliot Anderson is thrilled to be offered the chance to train with Newcastle United’s first-team, telling the Magpies website that pitting his wits against the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin is a ‘great challenge’.
While Newcastle’s academy has not been quite as prosperous as many on Tyneside would have hoped over the last decade or so, Anderson can take inspiration from the Longstaff brothers as he plots a senior breakthrough while celebrating his 18th birthday.
Like Matty and Sean, the North Shields-born starlet is a midfielder renowned for his technical ability and quality in the final third.
Anderson, the grandson of ex-Newcastle winger Geoff Allen, appeared on the bench during the recent EFL Cup clash with Newport County and, clearly, has caught the eye of Steve Bruce behind the scenes.
So much so that, according to the Chronicle, the Scotland youth star is now trying his hand against the likes Miguel Almiron, Jonjoe Shelvey, Callum Wilson and co.
“Training with the first-team is quite tough and it’s a great challenge for me,” said Anderson. “I think it’s very quick and you have to make fast decisions on what to do when you have the ball.
“The hardest thing is adjusting to the speed and the time you have on it. The players are very nice and have made me feel welcome.
“I’m very happy with how I’ve developed and progressed over the last year. I didn’t quite think I’d have made as much progression as I have but I know I have to keep working hard and doing the things that I do.”
Anderson adds that Saint-Maximin, a popular figure on and off the pitch, has taken him under his wing.
“I’ve spoken to him on the pitch and he’s helped me feel relaxed and settled in training. He’s given me some good advice too and it’s good to watch him to see what he does.”
Anderson produced seven goals and four assists in 19 games for the Magpies’ youth sides last season, impressing since the arrival of U23 coach Chris Hogg.
It would be little surprise if Bruce thrust him into the limelight with a hectic festive fixture schedule now looming on the horizon.
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