Eddie Howe issues Elliot Anderson future update - and drops Newcastle United selection hint

Elliot Anderson is in contention to start against Tranmere Rovers - as Eddie Howe further reiterated his intention to keep the 19-year-old at Newcastle United.

The attacking midfielder returned from his promotion-winning spell at Bristol Rovers to play his way into Howe’s first-team plans during pre-season following a string of impressive performances.

Anderson was expected to go out on loan again this summer amid interest from EFL clubs but that now appears unlikely, especially after Jonjo Shelvey’s three-month injury lay-off.

Although the Scotland under-21s international is yet to appear in the Magpies’ opening three Premier League games, Anderson is front of the queue to start in Wednesday’s second Carabao Cup tie.

Elliot Anderson in contention to start against Tranmere

“Elliot’s chomping at the bit to be involved,” Howe said. He’s trained very well.

“He hasn’t appeared yet in the Premier League but his performances in training haven’t dipped, so he’s in a good place to give a good performance.”

Howe is expected to ring the changes with the cup tie falling in between the gruelling clash with Premier League champions Manchester City and a difficult trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

“Yeah, he’s definitely a contender to start tomorrow,” Howe admitted. “As I’ve said, everything that I’ve seen from him day to day has been very impressive.

“In terms of the future, I don’t see a way that he would leave at this moment. The transfer windows are ever-changing things, so I wouldn’t give you a definite, because I wouldn’t want to say something that isn’t accurate, but I’m really excited to see him play.

“I think he’s a player that’s really grown, as I’ve said, from his loan period away, and I’d say his game’s in a very good place.”