Elliot Anderson has revealed he has remained in contact with Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton this summer, but the promotion hero is fully focused on breaking into Newcastle United's first team.
Anderson has enjoyed a superb pre-season with his boyhood club after his heroics in a blue and white shirt last season, and the Newcastle Chronicle rates the 19-year-old a "genuine contender" to start in the Magpies' Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The playmaker made his first appearance at St James' Park last week in the friendly win over Atalanta, winning the penalty that Chris Wood scored to secure the victory, and Anderson also started in Lisbon against Portuguese giants Benfica last month.
Barton's comparisons to Diego Maradona – in terms of playing style rather than sheer ability – during Anderson's spell at Rovers have stuck on Tyneside. Chants of "Geordie Maradona" have been heard at Newcastle's pre-season games, although Anderson has not taken any notice.
"I didn't really realise that to be honest," he told the Chronicle. "I just have to lock myself into the game and focus on that.
"But I really enjoyed working under Joey Barton. He helped me a lot and gave me that stepping stone to go and show my ability. I have kept in touch with him, there's been a few bits and bobs but my main focus is here."
Despite his tender age, Anderson was imperious in a Rovers shirt after joining on loan on deadline day in January. In 20 starts, mostly on the left wing, he scored seven goals and added six assists, including the all-important seventh goal against Scunthorpe United to seal Rovers' promotion to League One on the final day of last season.
His exploits in BS7 certainly impressed Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who has kept Anderson close throughout pre-season and the teenager is making the most of the opportunity.
“I think it’s (pre-season) been really good for me, just trying to fit into the team, work on the way they play and try and impress," he explained. “I just want to try to carry on the momentum I had. Obviously, it’s a much higher standard, but I need to try and take what I did well (on loan) into these pre-season games.”
He has already made his Premier League bow, playing in a behind closes doors game against Arsenal in January 2021, but he is yet to make his first start and the Scotland under-21 international is excited by the prospect of playing against Forest on Saturday.
Anderson is likely to be competing with the likes of Joe Willock and Ryan Fraser for a place in Howe's team, and should he miss out, the introduction of the five-substitute rule will give him extra chances to make an impact from the bench.
"That would mean everything, to be honest", he said. "I am a local lad and I have supported the club since I was a little kid. So for me and my family that would mean the world."
Anderson has a huge queue of EFL clubs that would love to sign him on loan should the opportunity arise, including the Gas, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City.
But all suitors are set to be disappointed with Howe indicating last week the plan is for Anderson to remain in the first-team mix, and that is exactly where he wants to be.
“I want to be here," he said. "I want to force my way into the team, but, I guess, that’s the club’s decision.
"I’ve just got to work as hard as I can on the pitch, and see what happens. I’ll explore loan options when it comes, but you want to be playing as high as you can, push yourself.”
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