Anthony Gordon has been backed to push his way into Newcastle United's first-team this coming season after a mixed first six months with the club. The Magpies pushed the boat out to sign the youngster from Everton in the January transfer window, but the 22-year-old is yet to break into the starting XI on a regular basis.
The forward scored his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on the final day of the Premier League season, and has starred for England Under-21s at this summer's European Championships. Gordon was always a signing for the future, and former Newcastle striker Louis Saha has backed him to develop further under Eddie Howe at St James' Park, and made a big impact this coming campaign.
“Anthony Gordon can force his way into Newcastle team next season," Saha told Paddy Power. "Joining a club in the January transfer window is always difficult. Mentally, you have been waiting for the transfer and you also have to try to fit in - it can take time to adjust physically.
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“All of these factors into your confidence as a player and it is so important to fit in with your team-mates. Newcastle were also still improving and changing their way of doing things. They had a set group of players playing regularly."
Gordon will be part of the England Under-21 side to face Spain in the final of the European Championships on Saturday. He will then have a short break before joining back up with United for pre-season and their three games in the United States, before the new season gets under way in August.
"Pre-season will be helpful for him and, the form he has shown at the Under 21 Euros will be very helpful," Saha added. "Things change from one year to another so it’s up to him to take his chance and get his confidence back to the level he had at Everton.
“He doesn't have to worry, he’s young, he has legs, but it is up to him to show positive body language as that will help him link with the fans and also the players he’s playing with. The form he's showing at the Euros is what we want to see from him on a regular basis.”
