Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson is ready to answer Eddie Howe's call to bolster the Magpies' midfield against Leicester City.
Howe stated on Friday how he regards Anderson as a' first-team player and integrated senior member' now and he would have no qualms about putting him against the Foxes. With Joe Willock out with a hamstring injury and Sean Longstaff struggling, Anderson is the ideal candidate to play at St James' Park.
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Anderson was held back from going out on loan at the start of the season with a queue of Champions League clubs wanting to sign him. And while he has started just a handful of first-team games, he has still notched 25 senior appearances this season in total with a string of substitute appearances.
Anderson is eyeing his chance against Leicester and told Chronicle Live: "I am happy. I want to play more but that is the same for everybody. Hopefully I get my chance again on Monday, and I can improve every time I get on the pitch."
The midfield injuries increase the likelihood of Anderson getting an opportunity against the relegation-haunted East Midlands side. But regardless of players struggling, Anderson has been edging closer to a start anyway.
He was sensational against Nottingham Forest and helped spark a 2-1 win at the City Ground in March. The 20-year-old said: "I have been training hard to get that chance anyway. But when it comes I need to take it."
Newcastle fans watched on over the weekend as Liverpool's failure to beat Aston Villa almost handed United their Champions League place earlier than expected. But Anderson insists the Toon squad have just focused on what they can control themselves.
Anderson added: "All we have to do is focus on our next two games. We are aiming to get all six points, that's our mentality, we know what we have to do.
"It's great that we can do it at home against Leicester. The crowd are like a 12th man for us. When teams come here they know it will be an amazing atmosphere. So I think they have helped us and we just need to keep going."
Anderson came on for a lively last half an hour and had a hand in Newcastle's third goal as his cushioned pass released Miguel Almiron before he played in Callum Wilson to make it 3-1. Speaking about the 4-1 win, Anderson said: "It was great but we knew it was always going to be tough and that we'd have a task on our hands. But I think the lads did great and ran Brighton all over the pitch, it was good three points and a huge win.
"I have been getting more minutes every game and that's something I have wanted to do. It was a very tough 30 minutes so I think I just had to show my discipline in that position and show the gaffer what I could do on that side of the game."
Newcastle players celebrated wildly in the dressing room after the Brighton rout. But that could pale into insignificance compared to the scenes if they book that Champions League slot.
The Academy product said: "It was great in the dressing room after the game. It was one step closer. Once we got in there everybody applauded big Dan Burn because he was great on Thursday night! We have stuck together all season and that's what we aim to continue."
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