Newcastle United's decision to remain patient over Elliot Anderson's future looks to have paid off after Jonjo Shelvey was ruled out until with a hamstring problem. The 30-year-old was in London last week for an assessment and it is understood he is set for a spell on the sidelines.
Shelvey looks unlikely to play again before Premier League season temporarily stops for the World Cup in November and Newcastle are suddenly looking short in midfield in the former Liverpool star's absence. Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are all options for Eddie Howe in the middle of the park but Anderson is another who could feature after impressing in pre-season.
His performance as the most attacking member of the midfield trio against Atalanta last month was a signal that he may be ready to play a part in Newcastle's first team. The Magpies have fielded multiple offers for his services this summer, as upwards of 12 Championship and Scottish clubs try to secure a loan deal following his Bristol Rovers exploits last season.
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However, Howe's plan to wait until the end of the summer to make a decision on Anderson's immediate future looks to have paid off as Shelvey's injury may hand the 19-year-old his well-deserved chance in the first team.
“He’s performed very well,” the Newcastle boss said last month. "No decision will be made on his future until towards the end of the transfer window, probably the last few days. At the moment, it certainly looks like he’s going to stay with us, because of how he’s performing.
"His performance today was very good. I thought he was very, very good defensively today, very good tactically to understand his position, but also technically in tight areas, really quick feet. For me, during pre-season, he’s got better and better. So great signs for him.”
Anderson himself has spoken of his desire to stay on Tyneside this summer as he eyes a regular spot at St James' Park. The teenager was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
"I want to be here,” Anderson said last month. “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 think it’s been really good for me, just trying to fit into the team, work on the way they play and try and impress. I just want to try and carry on the momentum I had (on loan). Obviously, it’s a lot higher standard, but I need to try and take what I did well (on loan) into these pre-season games.”
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