Bristol Rovers star tipped for Premier League career as Newcastle urged to keep hold of wonderkid

Newcastle United should give Bristol Rovers midfielder Elliot Anderson a chance in the Premier League next season and is showing a similar technical ability to Paul Gascoinge.

That is the words of their former scout Graham Carr, who believes the 19-year-old should be kept in Eddie Howe’s first team plans next season.

Anderson, who is currently on international duty with the Scotland under-21’s squad, has been a revelation since joining, getting three goals and two assists, after making the move from the Magpies.

Newcastle, who came into riches after a takeover in October 2021 and spent £90m in January, have been advised not to lose Anderson in the midst of another potential spending spree.

And whilst there are now reportedly Championship clubs queuing up to take him for next season, Anderson’s parent club have been urged to keep hold of him.

‘They will spend millions on new players and a lot of academy lads will get lost in the system now - but not this boy,’ Carr said to the Daily Mail.

‘You can go out and sign as many young players as you want, you will be doing well to get any better than Elliot Anderson.

‘This loan move looks like it has done him the world of good. He could get Bristol promoted this year. But it’s a waste of time sending him out again.

“He will be bordering on the first-team next season, and he should definitely be part of the squad.”

Most recently, Rovers boss Joey Barton said that there were elements of Anderson’s game that reminded him of how Diego Maradona played, such as slowing down in the penalty box.

Carr was the latest to wax lyrical about Anderson as he was an attendee at Sixfields during Rovers’ crucial away win over Northampton.

The long-serving scout, who brought the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse to Tyneside has likened Rvers’ loan star to players who have been successful and are idolised up at St James Park.

His first comparison was to Peter Beardsley, who played for Newcastle, as well as Liverpool and Manchester City, in his dribbling ability.

‘He is classy. He receives the ball like Peter Beardsley. He kills it and moves it all in one motion.

“That is a gift. He stood out like a sore thumb on Saturday, miles above anyone else. He looks out of place.”

But then another great compliment came, comparing him to English football legend Paul Gascoigne, who was a star for England, Newcastle, Spurs and Rangers from the mid eighties to the early nineties.

His display impressed Carr so much that phone calls were made to those in the footballing world of his ability, reminding Newcastle of the player they have on their books.

“I got in the car afterwards and started ringing people to talk about him,” he said. ‘He’s the best young player I have seen in a long time.

“Newcastle haven’t produced anyone like him, in terms of his technical gifts, probably all the way back to Gazza.

‘He plays with a swagger. Every time he got the ball you knew something was going to happen. He always wants to dribble and moves off quickly. He knows he’s good, but there’s no harm in that.”

Anderson is expected to go back to Newcastle next season with a return to the Memorial Stadium unlikely if they are unable to achieve their goal of promotion.

Early on in his loan, manager Eddie Howe wanted Anderson to play at a higher level than League Two and revealed his slight disappointment at his loan to the West Country.

The youngster though has so far flourished since making his first move away from Newcastle and is no longer a best kept secret with the eyes of the world now on him.

So much so that those in the England camp are keeping tabs on him, but according to the Daily Mail, are so far relaxed on Anderson’s involvement with Scotland.

He has so far played for Scotland from U16 to U18 level whilst also featuring for the Three Lions at U19 level last year. His allegiance to a country will not be cemented until he makes a senior appearance for them.