Eddie Howe appears to have ended any hopes Bristol Rovers have in seeing Elliot Anderson back at the Mem by declaring he still has a part to play for Newcastle United this season.
Rovers manager Joey Barton spoke at length on Thursday about his chances of having the 20-year-old at his disposal again, the sales pitch they can offer, all the while admitting the Gas would very much have to wait their turn.
Anderson enjoyed a sensational spell in north Bristol 12 months ago as the catalyst for Rovers’ promotion surge in League Two, finishing with seven goals and six assists. It was that form, and his performances in pre-season, that convinced Howe the Geordie should be part of his first-team squad for the Premier League campaign.
Anderson has made eight appearances off the bench and started twice in the Carabao Cup but the Magpies head coach admits his progress has been held back by a few niggly injuries which have since cleared up.
Despite interest from Rovers, Birmingham City, Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday in taking the playmaker for the remainder of the campaign, his immediate future looks set to be at St James’ Park.
"He's very valued by us," said Howe. "He's had a number of niggles over the last couple of months which have prevented him being involved more. He's back to his best condition and he's got a valuable role to play with us between now and the end season. We certainly won't be loaning him anywhere."
Howe has Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey as his first-choice central midfielders, alongside Anderson, so the only conceivable change to his way of thinking would be if Newcastle can complete one or more signings in that position over the next month.
They have been linked with Leicester City duo Youri Tielemans and James Maddison plus World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi of Angers but, as yet, there’s no indication that despite their wealth, they’ll be making substantial additions to the squad in this window.
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