Former Newcastle United head scout Graham Carr has drawn comparisons between Elliot Anderson and Peter Bearsdley as the Magpies youngster continues to impress on loan at Bristol Rovers. The Toon academy prospect is being tipped for big things with Carr claiming he's one of the best young talents he's seen in a long time.
The Scotland youth international is now also on England's radar with the Three Lions looking to make a move. Anderson has represented both nations at youth level.
Eddie Howe has already said he'll cast his eye over Anderson in pre-season next summer, with a number of Championship clubs vying for his signature. Carr who unearthed Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote for the Magpies has told his former club not to waste time with another loan.
Speaking to Sportsmail, Carr said: "They will spend millions on new players and a lot of academy lads will get lost in the system now - but not this boy. You can go out and sign as many young players as you want, you will be doing well to get any better than Elliot Anderson.
"This loan move looks like it has done him the world of good. He could get Bristol promoted this year. But it’s a waste of time sending him out again. He will be bordering on the first-team next season, and he should definitely be part of the squad.
"He is classy. He receives the ball like Peter Beardsley. He kills it and moves it all in one motion. That is a gift. He stood out like a sore thumb on Saturday, miles above anyone else. He looks out of place. I got in the car afterwards and started ringing people to talk about him.
"He’s the best young player I have seen in a long time. Newcastle haven’t produced anyone like him, in terms of his technical gifts, probably all the way back to Gazza.
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"He plays with a swagger. Every time he got the ball you knew something was going to happen. He always wants to dribble and moves off quickly. He knows he’s good, but there’s no harm in that."
Anderson's impressive form at the Gas has seen boss Joey Barton draw comparisons to Diego Maradona, due to his ability to slow down in the penalty area. He said: "I’ve been listening to Bill Shankly tapes a lot. He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area, exactly like Elliot Anderson does. Such a talent.
"Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. I would have paid to watch him tonight - he was that good."
