Newcastle United star’s international future ‘up in the air’ after training ground injury blow

England could make a move for Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson after he dropped out of the Scotland squad last week.

The 20-year-old was called up by the Tartan Army for the first time for the Euro 2024 qualifier in Cyprus and the 150th anniversary match against England at Hampden tomorrow but suffered an unspecified injury in training last Tuesday.

With Anderson still waiting for his first senior cap, it leaves the door open for England to swoop back in. 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.

And Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate admits the former Bristol Rovers loanee is a player of interest.

“We liked him and we do like him, we think he’s a player that’s doing really well,” said Southgate. “He was called into their (Scotland’s) squad earlier in the week and I don’t know what the position is at the moment.

“I saw he’s pulled out. Let’s see, that’s something that John (McDermott, FA technical director) and others at our organisation will be picking up. He’s definitely a player we like.”

Clarke was asked about fears of Anderson being snapped by England and replied: “It’s not something I can control. “There’s not a lot I can do about it.”

On losing Anderson from the squad, Clarke added: “It’s disappointing to lose Elliot and Liam [Kelly] on the same day but that’s part and parcel of international football, you just deal with it.

“We’ve had to replace Liam because we couldn’t come with two goalkeepers so we’ve brought in young Robby [McCrorie]. He’s been part of the squad before and understands.

“I didn’t need to replace Elliot because we’ve got enough midfield players.”

Anderson has returned to Tyneside for treatment where the Magpies will hope to have him available for the visit of Brentford to St James’ Park this weekend.