Eddie Howe admits Newcastle youngster has been ‘really unlucky’

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When Newcastle United were in need against Brighton on Thursday night, Eddie Howe turned to Elliot Anderson.

In a physically demanding game where every Newcastle player had to be tactically perfect, Howe lost a key member of his side early in the second half.

Joe Willock went down with a hamstring injury, and looked to be in severe pain. Howe immediately got a substitute ready, and gave Anderson the chance to step up to the plate.

The Newcastle boss did not have many other options, but he trusted the 20-year-old to deliver in the club’s biggest game of the season.

Operating on the right of the midfield three, Anderson picked up where Willock left off. The youngster did not look out of place, as he continues to prove his credentials at Premier League level.

Howe was delighted with the young midfielder, and admitted that he is unlucky that he has not played more this season.

Eddie Howe really pleased with ‘unlucky’ Elliot Anderson

After the game, Howe spoke to the Shields Gazette about Anderson’s performance against Brighton.

“I think Elliot’s been very unlucky, when you think his last major contribution to the team was match defining against Nottingham Forest in that second half,” he said.

“Of course, with the other players, he helped turn the game for us that night. Since then, when we’ve had other players return to fitness, he’s found game time hard to come by, purely for the strength of the group.

“But we really believe in Elliot in a number of different positions. He showed his versatility to come on the right side of midfield. He did a really good job for the team.”

Newcastle youngster now has a big chance

Anderson has struggled for minutes ever since that game at the City Ground. That is a real shame, as he was exceptional in the away win over Nottingham Forest.

As Howe says, he has been really unlucky not to play, but his luck could be about to change.

With Willock likely to miss the rest of the season, Anderson has the chance to become a starter for the Magpies. That has only happened once in the Premier League so far, and it was a night to forget for the local lad.

He was deployed in midfield against Liverpool back in February, with Howe giving him his first ever Premier League start for his boyhood club. However, it was ended prematurely when the Magpies needed to bring a new goalkeeper on following Nick Pope’s red card.

Anderson’s opportunity had been snatched away from him, but now he could get a fresh one on Monday night. He looks likely to start against Leicester City, in what will be Newcastle’s biggest game of the season. The academy graduate has the chance to help his club get over the line and pick up the three points they need to qualify for the Champions League.