Barton handed triple lift ahead of Carlisle clash
He hasn’t gone away with (Scotland), which is good news for us. Losing him would have been a big blow due to his form and how well he has done for us
ELLIOT Anderson is available to play for Bristol Rovers at Carlisle United tommorrow, despite being called up to play for Scotland Under-21s.
Joey Barton has confirmed the 19-year-old, on loan from Newcastle United, has not linked up with the Scotland squad and has trained with the Gas at The Quarters ahead on the weekend trip to Cumbria.
Playmaker Anderson has been a star of Rovers’ promotion push in the second half of the season, registering three goals and two assists since joining on loan on deadline day in January. His performances in the blue and white quarters have attracted praise from across the game, with ex-Newcastle scout Graham Carr believing he is ready to play in the Premier League.
The wave of praise is doubtless encouraging for the player, but Barton is solely focused on Rovers’ promotion bid and collecting three points at Carlisle on Saturday, with Anderson’s availability a significant boost.
“He’s still here,” Barton told the Bristol Post. “I haven’t had any conversations, I think that’s for Newcastle and young Elliot. He’s had a couple of conversations with them and he’s here today and has been here training.
“He hasn’t gone away with (Scotland), which is good news for us. Losing him would have been a big blow due to his form and how well he has done for us. That is a real positive.” Rovers were also set to lose Luca Hoole, pictured, and James Connolly for the international break, with the defenders being eyed for Wales Under-21 recognition, but ultimately all parties agreed that staying involved in the Pirates’ promotion effort was the right call for their development.
Anderson is reportedly at the centre of an international tug of war. English-born, he has been capped by Scotland from under-16 to under-18 level but played once for England Under-19s.
He was called up to Scot Gemmill’s squad for the first time for the Under-21 European Championship qualifiers against Turkey and Kazakhstan this month, but the Daily Mail reports the FA are tracking Anderson’s progress and are considering calling him up to represent the Three Lions at under-20 or under-21 level.
Barton joked: “I’m not sure of the nature of that or whether he’s hanging out to see if Brazil or Argentina or someone else come up, I’m not sure, or whether he’s had an agreement with Scotland, young Elliot.
“All I know is he is here and available for us on Saturday and we’re delighted with that.”
Anderson’s availability is not the only boost for Barton ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Brunton Park. Winger Sam Nicholson and midfielder Jon Nolan are in the frame to return after they suffered shin and knee injuries, respectively, in the defeat at Newport. “Both trained today,” said Barton. “Hopefully, all being well tomorrow, they will come back into contention.”