Newcastle United star ‘needs time’ before making major decision on his future

Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson will be given time to decide whether to pledge his international allegiance to England or Scotland.

The Whitley Bay-born player looked to have committed his future to Scotland when he was called up for their matches against Cyprus and England last month. However, he left the camp with a reported knock and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has since spoken of his fondness for Anderson.

With the 20-year-old still waiting for his first senior cap, the door is open. Anderson had played for Scotland at multiple youth levels before he switched to England at under-19 level. He returned to play for the Scots at under-21.

Anderson hasn’t received a call-up during the current international break as bosses at both countries giving him time to make his decision.

Speaking last week, Southgate said: “We like Elliot. We think he’s a very good player. He’s got high potential. He’s obviously at a club that are absolutely flying so we will just have to wait and see. We’re very much respectful that if he needs time to think that through, we completely understand.”

Meanwhile, Scotland assistant manager John Carver, who worked under Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Pardew on Tyneside, said: “When he came on [versus Paris Saint-Germain he was quite effective in the game but it’s not for me to get involved.

“I’ve not spoken to anyone at the football club, I’ve not spoken to him or his family, it’s about giving him time. We have to respect and give him the time to make his decision.

“He’s a young lad, he’s developing as a player and developing in the right direction. He needs to be given a little bit of time with his family. We’ve not put him under any pressure whatsoever.

“We never put him under pressure before we called him into the squad, they came to us. So we’ll have to wait and see.”

Anderson has made 11 appearances for Newcastle this season. He’s predominantly played in central midfield but started Sunday’s 2-2 draw at West Ham United on the left wing.