Joey Barton’s ‘inventive’ verdict on Newcastle United prospect Elliot Anderson that will excite fans

The 19-year-old completed the first loan move of his fledgling career in the final hours of the January transfer window after joining Rovers boss Barton agreed a deal with his former club.

After making his debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw at Sutton United earlier this month, Anderson has now started the last three games for Barton’s side and put in an impressive display in Tuesday night’s 2-0 home win against Sutton United.

There were just four minutes on the clock when Anderson set up Harry Anderson for the first goal of the game and he continued to play a prominent role to help his temporary employers to the first win of his loan spell.

Barton believes Anderson’s performance will “make a lot of fans sit up and take notice” as he looks to help his former club develop one of their brightest prospects.

After the game, he told the club website: “He’s a hell of a player, isn’t he?

“(I am) delighted to have him at the football club.

“Obviously my allegiance, my black and white, North East fairytale continues and I’d love to help them develop one of their younger players.

“I am thankful they trust us with a boy as talented as Elliot and credit to him.

“Tonight, you wouldn’t think he was only playing his third senior start, but that showcased what we thought we had seen in the Sutton away game.

“He came on in that game, showed real brightness, a real inventive mind, he wants to go past people, takes the ball in tight areas.

“I just really enjoyed watching the team tonight and young Elliot Anderson obviously will make a lot of the fans sit up and take notice.”

Anderson will hope to retain his place in Barton’s lineup when Rovers visit Stevenage on Saturday afternoon.