Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson has admitted that he’s more than willing to go out on loan again this season.
The local lad joined Bristol Rovers in January, and it’s fair to say he had a loan spell to remember in League Two.
Anderson became a key player for Joey Barton’s side, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. In fact, he scored the decisive goal that secured promotion for Bristol Rovers.
It was an incredible 7-0 win over Scunthorpe that means the Gas will now be playing League One football. But while their future is certain, Anderson’s is not.
Elliot Anderson hoping to impress Newcastle boss Eddie Howe
The 19-year-old is currently training with the Newcastle first-team, who are in Austria ahead of friendlies against 1860 Munich and Mainz.
Anderson will hope to be involved, just like he was against Gateshead on Saturday. He started in midfield against the National League side, and played an important role in Matt Ritchie’s goal. His performance earned praise from the manager, who said Anderson ‘showed his quality‘.
If he performs well enough in pre-season, he could become a part of Howe’s Premier League plans. However, the teenager is willing to do whatever it takes to continue his development.
“I’ve just got to try and impress as much as I can really, and do my best,” he told the club’s official website.
“I’ve got to try and compete for a place around the team and see how I can do.
“I think not trying too hard to do that (is important) – just do your stuff, and see if you catch an eye, and work as hard as you can. It’s kind of like a free hit – I’ll give it my best shot, and if they think I need another season out (on loan), I’m happy to do that. Whatever’s best for me.
“I’d say for me, probably playing games is the most important thing, to be honest – carrying on my run that I have, and just trying to keep striving. Hopefully that’s here, or if it’s somewhere else on loan, I’ll be giving it my all.”
Lots of clubs want to sign him on loan
If Newcastle do decide to loan Anderson out, there won’t be a shortage of suitors. Plenty of clubs have been linked with signing the talented youngster this summer.
Bristol Rovers want him back, while another side in Sheffield Wednesday are also keen. There are even Championship sides interested in Anderson, such as West Brom and Stoke.
He is a man in demand, meaning Newcastle have a big decision to make this summer. Firstly, Howe needs to decide whether or not he has a role to play at St James’ Park. That will largely be dictated by how he does in pre-season, and how much Premier League football he will feasibly play.
If the club decide to loan him out, they then need to decide which is the best club. Should it be in the Championship or League One? Should it be a team that is competing high up the division? Will their style suit him?
These are the questions Newcastle will be asking themselves, and why the arrival of Dan Ashworth is so important. He can be trusted to help make the right decision.
Whether he stays at Newcastle or goes out on loan, Anderson simply wants to continue his development and progress into the player he should become.
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