Eddie Howe feels that Elliot Anderson has now reached the toughest part of his career - but insists the 20-year-old is coping well as he looks to earn more chances.
Anderson put in a superb display in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest and was robbed of his first senior goal by an atrocious decision from referee Paul Tierney who called offside. But Howe is delighted with the youngster's progress.
Howe, who has been training with his squad in Dubai this week, said: "The quality of our squad, it's never going to be easy to break in. It's the hardest phase of his career really.
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"You can play well in youth football and look an outstanding talent. But actually breaking through into the Premier League is incredibly difficult to do."
Anderson has only started one game in the Premier League for United and it remains to be seen whether Miguel Almiron's absence earns him a chance against Manchester United. Even then Howe has Joelinton back in the fold and Allan Saint-Maximin recovering from a knock.
Reflecting on his options, Howe said: "We're a top team and we have top players in his position. He's competing to try and make that breakthrough.
"This is the hardest part of his Newcastle career. Can he make that next step on a consistent basis?"
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