Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton has hailed Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson as the difference-maker after his goal secured all three points against Salford City. In what is quickly becoming his trademark technique, Anderson cut in from the left flank before blasting home to keep the Gas firmly in a League Two playoff place.
A 75th-minute strike was Anderson’s fifth since joining Rovers on loan in January - provoking calls from some Magpies supporters to give him a run in the first team next season. The Whitley Bay native has taken to life down south seamlessly and is even referred to as Bill - a tribute to fictional ballet dancer Billy Elliot - by his teammates.
Former Toon midfielder Barton led comparisons to Diego Maradona after the 19-year-old bagged the winner against Colchester last month. While he stayed clear from making a similar observation, Barton still raved over the prospect who is single-handedly dragging his side to promotion.
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"We were always aware it was going to be a tight game,” he told BristolLive. “It just shows how much improvement we and Salford have made since the first half of the season.
"We knew it was going to be a tricky game and we knew it might have been one goal that decides it. When we’ve got some of the players we’ve got, we can open the door and that’s Elliot on this occasion. You always feel confident and that you’ve got a chance.
"I thought the group effort has been exceptional all year, but particularly today with the lads who came off the bench. Luke Thomas has been working hard to get himself back into contention. He plays a lovely ball to Elliot. He’ll get an assist for it but I think young Bill (Anderson) needs to take a little bit more credit.”
