Newcastle United's risky Elliot Anderson plan paid off…

Newcastle United's risky Elliot Anderson plan paid off as youngster explains future plans

Elliot Anderson admits former Newcastle United star Joey Barton played a huge part in his successful Bristol Rovers loan spell last season. The Toon attacker, 19, flourished at the League Two side as they achieved final day promotion in the most dramatic fashion.

Anderson had already been touted as Newcastle 's next best youth prospect before he made the move south and has returned to even bigger fanfare after his spell away. Earning the nickname of the 'Geordie Maradona' at Rovers, he is now expected to have a big future on Tyneside.

But Newcastle actually turned down Championship and League One interest for Anderson last season, with Steve Harper and Shola Ameobi instead choosing former team-mate Barton as the man to get the best out of the youngster. A move that certainly paid off with the teenager now heaping praise on the former St. James' Park favourite.

"When I joined, there was a really good feeling around the place. They were pushing on. I don't think they had a decent start to the season, but as I joined they were pushing a bit and getting wins," Anderson told NUFC TV.

"From the very first week, we were pushing for play-offs, really, and then eventually pushing for automatic promotion. It was canny mad, really. We just went on a winning streak."

"He [Barton] was good. He had high standards for everyone. He pushed you. He was a player so he had your best interests in mind, and he really helped me and gave me that sort of stepping stone for my career. He told me a few stories about when he was here (at Newcastle United) and stuff that went on... it was a good laugh."

Anderson is with Eddie Howe and the Newcastle United first-team as they prepare for the start of the Premier League season next month. The attacker will be given a chance to prove his worth before a final decision is made on whether is loaned out once again or stays at Newcastle this season.

"I've just got to try and impress as much as I can really, and do my best," Anderson added. "I've got to try and compete for a place around the team and see how I can do.

"I think not trying too hard to do that (is important) - just do your stuff, and see if you catch an eye, and work as hard as you can. It's kind of like a free hit - I'll give it my best shot, and if they think I need another season out (on loan), I'm happy to do that. Whatever's best for me.

"I'd say for me, probably playing games is the most important thing, to be honest - carrying on my run that I have, and just trying to keep striving. Hopefully that's here, or if it's somewhere else on loan, I'll be giving it my all."

Newcastle United's risky Elliot Anderson plan paid off as youngster explains future plans

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