Elliot Anderson has outlined his ambition to replicate his hero by winning a trophy for Newcastle United. Footballing talent runs in the blood as Geoff Allen, a member of the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup squad, is the youngster’s grandad.
In the first round against Feyenoord, the now 75-year-old put in a man-of-the-match performance in the Magpies’ first-ever European fixture. A cruel injury cut Allen’s career short at 23 but his legacy is tangible at St James’ Park.
Toon prospect Anderson is making waves on Tyneside and is teetering on the edge of the first team. An impressive loan spell at Bristol Rovers earlier this year gave the 20-year-old - who has represented both England and Scotland at youth level - an introduction to senior football.
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Game time has been restricted in 2022-23 but Eddie Howe has rewarded him with several cameos from the bench. Speaking to the club’s website, Anderson made his Newcastle dream clear.
"It's been one of my personal aims to follow in my grandad's footsteps," he said. "He was part of the last Newcastle team to win a trophy and I'm going to try to be part of the next. He got injured quite early on so I want to take his career further.
"I'd love to be part of a Newcastle team that can do very well in the cup competitions. With the way the club is going at the moment, it's only going in the right direction and I hope to be a part of it, winning trophies and progressing.
"The manager wants us to try and go very far in the cup competitions so everyone will be doing their best. I'm trying to take every minute I have on the pitch and make it a longer time when I'm next on. Something I've been a bit guilty of is maybe trying too hard when I've come on.”
Anderson admitted he is not content with sitting on the bench and is desperate for more game time. Howe started the midfielder in the Carabao Cup victory against Crystal Palace 10 days ago.
"I've been coming in off the bench but that's not where I want to be,” Anderson added. “I'm still working every week to try and get more minutes. Coming in every day to train and living in Newcastle is great but I want to be playing more.
“I'm missing that one feeling of being involved in the team every week and having that feeling of being a big player. I think it will come eventually. I'm still only 20 years old, and hopefully I will get there."
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