Bristol Rovers receive boost as Newcastle United loanee available for selection despite Scotland call-up

Bristol Rovers have received a massive boost after midfielder Elliot Anderson was made available for selection against Carlisle United.

Anderson was called up for Scotland Under-21’s duty for their matches against Turkey and Kazakhstan, but has stayed behind with the Gas.

The 19-year-old has played 13 times this season, with three goals and two assists, and has quickly become an important member of the side.

After his call up earlier this month he was expected to link up Scott Gemmill’s side but has since remained in Bristol where he has trained all week and is now in contention to play against the Blues at Brunton Park this coming Saturday.

“I haven’t had any conversations that is for Newcastle and young Elliot,” said Barton in his pre-match conference ahead of the trip up to the North of England.

“He’s had a couple of conversations with them. He’s here today and he’s been training. He hasn’t gone away with them as it is good news for us.

“Losing him would have been a big blow due to his form and how well he’s done for us, so it’s a real positive.

“I’m not sure on the nature to see whether he’s hanging out to see if Brazil or Argentina or somewhere come. Or whether he’s had an agreement with Scotland but I’ll have to ask him.

“All I know is that he’s here and he’s available for Saturday and we’re delighted with that.”

Earlier this week, the teenager was likened to Newcastle United heroes Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoinge, by Graham Carr, who was present at Rovers’ last match, a 1-0 win over Northampton.

Despite neither scoring nor assisting the goal, the former Magpies scout was impressed by the manner in the way Anderson played and urged Newcastle to put them him in their first team plans next season.

Given this is the players first venture away from St James Park and he is 13 games in to his senior career, he is no longer the best kept secret in the division with the player dominating the headlines and coming out on top in many player ratings.

Despite being likened to some Premier League greats, Barton has called on one of his loan stars to develop his own identity, before matching up to comparisons.

“I don’t think he’ll miss a stride due to his constitution,” said Barton. “He’s not somebody who will be affected by that. I think when you’re a good player you expect people to say good things about you.

“You expect people to confirm yourself via the media that you’re a good player. I think the comparisons are always nice, when you get compared to elite level players like he has been. It is nothing but good for the young lads’ confidence.

“I think he’s got to make himself into an Elliot Anderson, he’s got to show what skill set he has. Hopefully one day there will be an 18/19-year-old who is being compared to Elliot Anderson by some old washed up footballer who’s managing a football team.”

Back to team news and one player who won’t in Barton’s team selection on Saturday is Josh Grant, who remains injured with a knee injury. The utility man though is stepping up his progress and has began training again, though that hasn’t been with his other first-team members.

“Josh is back on the grass today, he’s not back in with the group fully. He’s itching and chomping at the bit but again, he’s done the hard bit.

“He just needs to get the return of play checked off. Hopefully from now until the end of the season he can make an impact because he’s such a big player for us. He’s been frustrated the last few weeks and he’s desperate to get back into the squad. “

There is however a boost with midfielder Jon Nolan and forward player Sam Nicholson both nearing a return to action. Nolan hasn’t been seen since making his debut against Newport County, where he injured his knee.

Nicholson meanwhile has been injured with a shin injury that he sustained in the 1-0 defeat against Newport, but both could be included in Saturday’s travelling contingent should they pass the final tests.

Barton said: “Both have trained today, hopefully all being well tomorrow they will come back in to contention.”