Eddie Howe admits Elliot Anderson is on course to stay at Newcastle United after impressing again with a great show against Atalanta.
The youngster won the penalty that led to a slender win against the Serie A side with Chris Wood stepping up to score in the first half. Anderson - still just 19 - grew in stature as the game went on and may now disappoint the queue of clubs wanting him on loan.
When asked about Anderson, Howe said: "It's a very good question. I will sit here, and answer the questions but no decision will be made on a loan until the end of the window.
"But as it stands it looks like he is going to stay. He did well for the penalty and could have scored.
"In pre-season he has got better and better. I knew his quality and last year we couldn't give him an opportunity. He came back a better player from Bristol Rovers."
And looking back on the victory over the Italian side, Howe said: "I was very pleased with the game and it was high quality. We picked opponents, we didn't want easy wins.
"We wanted a test as there will be no shortage of quality there. Atalanta have a top quality team and tactically and technically we needed to be good."
READ NEXT:
Newcastle earn slender but respectable Atalanta win thanks to Wood's penalty
Elliot Anderson & 'brilliant' Dan Burn top Newcastle United ratings vs Atalanta
Newcastle United supporters hail 'fantastic' Elliot Anderson after Atalanta win
