‘Brilliant’ Newcastle player suffers new injury; won’t play this week

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Over the course of pre-season, Elliot Anderson was being tipped for the top.

The academy graduate made only three Premier League starts last season but, such were the level of his performances out on tour in the USA, Anderson was being talked about as a genuine first-team option.

Hailed as “brilliant” by Newcastle captain Kieran Trippier, it all looked to be going one way.

Still, the 20-year-old has had to bide his time this season.

With Eddie Howe not one to tinker too much, Anderson has been limited to cameo appearances and is yet to start a game even despite the early optimism.

Now, his season has hit even more frustration.

Elliot Anderson pulls out of the Scotland squad for games against Cyprus and England

Indeed, despite being called up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for games against Cyprus and England, Anderson will play no part.

According to BBC Sport, the youngster has pulled out of his first call-up for the Tartan Army with an injury, though the report does not specify exactly what the issue is.

Anderson has played for Scotland at U21 level but has recently rejected call-ups to that squad and is still eligible to represent England too.

Anderson has a big decision to make

Clearly, this could be a case of an unfortunate injury.

Still, given Anderson is able to represent both England and Scotland, a cynic may suggest he is merely waiting for his chance to represent the Three Lions going forward.

Gareth Southgate, however, is hardly likely to roll the dice on a player yet to break into the first-team at club level with a European Championships so close.

That leaves Anderson in a difficult position. Wait to try and impress Southgate enough or get his international career off the ground early with Scotland.

Dual nationality is a very personal thing and should be treated with care. No decision on that front can be easy.