Elliot’s pitch for more game time
ELLIOT Anderson wants more game time at Newcastle United after enjoying a breakthrough 2022.
The attacking midfielder flourished on loan at Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers last term as he helped the club to promotion on the final day of the campaign.
A plethora of Championship, League One and Scottish sides tried to take Anderson on loan over the summer before Eddie Howe decided to give the 20-yearold a run in the first team.
Anderson became the latest recipient of the Wor Jackie award, given to the best young player of the year, at the Sport Newcastle awards on Thursday, following in the footsteps of previous winner Sean Longstaff.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the youngster admitted he was itching for more minutes in the senior side as he continues to impress from the sidelines.
“I want to be in the starting XI,” Anderson told nufc.co.uk.
“I’m still working every week to try and get more minutes and hopefully push my way through to achieve that. Coming in every day to train and living in Newcastle is great but I want to be playing more.
“I’m just missing that one feeling of being involved in the team every week and have that feeling of being a big player. I think it will come eventually. I’m still only 20 years old, and hopefully I will get there.”
Howe clearly sees talent in the youngster after handing him the chance to shine off the bench in Premier League ties this season.
Newcastle recently handed the attacker a new contract, with the Magpies boss heaping praise on the prospect.
“He is a natural talent, but he also has an excellent work ethic and always wants to learn,” Howe said.
“I know our supporters will be especially pleased to see another local boy coming through from the Academy into the first team. Elliot has earned that chance, and he has set a great example to our young players.
“He is just at the start of his journey at this level but he has a very exciting future ahead and we are delighted that his journey will continue here.”