‘As far as I know’ - Newcastle United man provides update on future amid loan talk

Elliot Anderson is set to stay at Newcastle United this summer as he looks to “kick on” from his breakthrough campaign.

Having impressed on loan at Bristol Rovers during the second half of the 2020-21 season, Anderson remained on Tyneside and broke into the Magpies’ first-team last term.

Anderson started three of the 22 Premier League games he was involved in as well as appearing in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Competition in central midfield, where the 20-year-old started Saturday’s friendly win against Gateshead, has already increased following Sandro Tonali’s arrival from AC Milan.

But the 20-year-old, whose favoured position is as a left forward, wants to remain at St James’ Park and push for a starting XI spot in a campaign where Newcastle will compete in four competitions.

“As far as I know, I think I’m here,” said the Scotland youth, who has attracted loan interest. “Hopefully, it’s just getting started for me.

“This season is more important than last season, and I really want to kick on and be part of the future here.

“Being around the team and getting appearances here and there boosts your confidence and makes you feel a bit more at home.

“I feel really part of it now, and hopefully we’ll see that this season.”

Asked about Anderson last season, Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe said: “When you look back to the start of the season, I’d say he himself would consider himself a first-team player now as is a fully-integrated member of the first-team squad. He’s trained consistently throughout the season.

“It’s very difficult for those lads that haven’t played regularly when the team wins consistently and has performed as well as it has to wait for their chance.

“Now, he’s a young player that has been desperate to play, he’s controlled his emotions really well, I do believe he’s added elements to his game and improved certain parts of his game that needed to improve.

“I’d say he’s ready. He’s versatile – he proved that against Brighton, he came on on the right side of midfield. He’s predominantly been used by me as a left-side player and he’s very much capable, so we believe in him.”