Elliot Anderson will not become complacent and is already targeting the 'next breakthough' after signing a long-term contract at Newcastle United. That is the view of ChronicleLive columnist Lee Clark, who feels he is already 'on the verge' of becoming a first-team starter under Eddie Howe.
Anderson became a member of the senior squad this summer on the back of a scintillating loan spell with Bristol Rovers. The 19-year-old helped Joey Barton's side seal promotion to League One with the last goal in a memorable 7-0 win over Scunthorpe United on the final day.
Newcastle rebuffed a number of loan offers over the summer, with Anderson successfuly staking his claim for a spot in the senior squad over pre-season. The attacking midfielder made a start in the Carabao Cup second-round victory over Tranmere Rovers, and has already impressed in several Premier League cameos.
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The Magpies announced Anderson had signed a long-term contract extension on Wednesday, with Howe explaining the academy graduate had 'earned' his chance this season. Clark is confident the teenager has a 'huge future' on Tyneside, and is pleased to see Newcastle taking the proactive step to keep one of their brightest talents.
He told ChronicleLive: "It's brilliant, tying the young best players down. I've got no doubt that he's got a huge future in the game. Eddie is using him intermittently at the moment, but over the course of the season he'll start to get more and more game-time.
"He's highly thought of and an impressive young man. He's been really good when he's come off the bench, and he's made a big impression on me. You want to keep the best young players at the football club, and it's great news he's signed a long-term contract.
"He needs to continue the work that's got him the new contract and on the verge of being a starter for Eddie in the first-team. The way the club is going, the squad is going to get better and better with each window.
"The expectations and demands rise with that. But what I've heard and from what I can see from the outside, he looks to me like he's got a great attitude.
"He won't be thinking he's made it now he's signed this long-term contract. He comes across as a lad who's trying to make the next breakthrough, which is getting and staying in the team.
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