The major challenge for the players currently at Newcastle United is to prove they have long-term futures at the club.
That’s not to downplay what any of the current stars are doing during this remarkable season of course but it stands to reason that the longer the PIF era goes on, the more chance there will be of a complete squad overhaul.
So then, it’s perhaps fair to say that no one can rest on their laurels.
That seems especially true of Elliot Anderson.
Eddie Howe challenges Anderson to prove his worth long-term
While there is a buzz around the 20-year-old, particularly after his cameo against Nottingham Forest before the international break, the Scotland U21 international is still in the embryonic stages of his career.
Indeed, though the future looks promising, there’s still a lot to prove, as Eddie Howe has outlined.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Howe said: “You can play well in youth football and look an outstanding talent. But actually breaking through into the Premier League is incredibly difficult to do.”
The pressure is on Anderson
Clearly, developing at a resurgent Newcastle looks like an ideal place for a youngster.
Still, the competition for places likely to develop over the coming years will only make that all the more difficult.
If Anderson is going to succeed at St James’ Park, it will be down to hard work and talent. Though his boyhood connection to the club is a bonus in terms of narrative, it will matter little in the grand scheme of things.
This has been a promising start to life as a Newcastle player. Now, the pressure is on to really prove it.