Newcastle United could loan out Elliot Anderson again as Eddie Howe hails Bristol Rovers loan

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says he will consider loaning out Bristol Rovers loan star Elliot Anderson again.

The teenager was once again a talking point in the Magpies’ pre-match press conference ahead of their match with Tottenham Hotspur.

Anderson was loaned out on the final day of the January transfer window to the Gas after Joey Barton sought midfield options and eventually landed on the untried youngster who has exceeded expectations.

With Newcastle spending more than £90m, including Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães, Anderson’s first-team prospects have been made harder.

And should Anderson not find himself in the 25-man squad for Newcastle next season if they preserve their Premier League status then another temporary move away from St James Park is likely to happen given the plethora of riches.

“If I can’t guarantee him that game time, then definitely a loan spell will be an option again,” revealed the 44-year-old.

“It’s very difficult for young players coming from the 18s to the 23s to make that jump into the first-team.

“It’s probably one of the hardest transitions you have to make at Premier League level. That;s why the loan system is very important.

“I think there will be (Championship clubs interested). I was disappointed for him that he didn’t get that opportunity at a higher level.

“That’s no disrespect to Bristol Rovers because Joey (Barton) and Kevin Bond have been very good for him and allowed him to flourish and show how good he is.”

Given that Luton Town were interested in Anderson before his move to the Memorial Stadium, Rovers may have a battle on their hands to retain one of their key loan players.

Being promoted to League One whilst outlining their plans to Newcastle could put them in good stead but that is easier said than done.

The loan spell has been a real benefit to Anderson’s development, playing regular football in a team chasing promotion and under a manager that has strong relationships with his parent club.

His performances have not gone amiss with Newcastle tracking his progress at the club, with Howe previously playing under Rovers assistant Kevin Bond.

And on Saturday against Bradford City, Anderson was amongst it once again as he claimed an assist in the 2-1 win which kept their promotion push on track.

Keen to put praise on one of Newcastle’s brightest prospects, Howe described the 19-year-old as ‘“A very, very talented player with a great mindset.

“Elliot’s one of those people who is very driven, focused and wants to do well and achieve.

“He’s got a slight edge to his game as well, nothing will stand in his way to help him get on and progress. That’s why I felt the loan period was so important for him, I felt if I couldn’t give him those opportunities he needed to go out and consolidate his really good training work.

“He’s done that. I said before we wanted to try and get him slightly higher up the period because his talents deserve that but the most important thing is he actually plays and Bristol Rovers have been a really good home for him and a really good fit. I hope he comes back in the summer and consolidates that good work.”