Newcastle United midfielder on Bristol Rovers impact and how he turned down other clubs to join them

Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson has spoken about how beneficial his loan move was at Bristol Rovers.

The 19-year-old has recently signed a new long-term contract with the Magpies after making a breakthrough into their first-team.

He has made four senior appearances for them this season, impressing first-team manager Eddie Howe.

En route to becoming a first-team player at St James Park, he had a successful six months with the Gas.

He would make 21 appearances, scoring seven goals, including the one that clinched promotion against Scunthorpe United, as well as making six goals for his teammates.

Days after helping Rovers to promotion, he trained with the first-team at Newcastle and has since gone on to become a certified first-teamer.

“I think it helped me a lot to be honest,” said Anderson to NUFC TV.

“It matured me as a player and as a person, living away from home. An experience in proper professional football for the first time.

“I loved every minute of it and it ended well which is good.”

Before arriving at the Memorial Stadium, there had been reports about joining Championship side Luton Town, but their manager Nathan Jones decided against it.

For the first time, Anderson revealed that there were other clubs available to him to join, but that moving to Bristol was an attractive proposition.

Barton’s former teammates Shola Ameobi and Steve Harper, responsible for securing the best loan moves for their youngsters, suggested him to Barton, who made the decision to take a gamble on the untried teenager.

It was a decision that ultimately paid off as he became a pivotal figure in them winning promotion from League Two.

“It was quite a big part of it,” he said when asked if moving away would help him grow as a player.

“I had a few options that were closer, but I think moving away from home and building that responsibility over yourself to live by yourself and become a man.”

A player of Anderson’s ability has now caught the attention of international managers, who are vying for his allegiance.

He was called up to represent Scotland Under-21’s in March, but opted to stay with Rovers, but later linked up with the Scots in the summer.

Reports from the Telegraph however say that England are keeping tabs, with a call-up to the Three Lions age grade teams likely if he continues his ascension.

Asked about wanting to play internationally, he responded: “Definitely, it’s something I am for in the future and we’ll see where we go with that. As of now I’m focusing on playing more games for Newcastle.”