Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson could be in line for an international call-up next month.
The Toon youngster was wanted by Scotland for their UEFA Nations League games against Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland but after the Scottish Under-21s learned of a hamstring injury, Steve Clarke had to call off the chance of promoting him to the seniors. Anderson has previously represented England and Scotland at youth level but is yet to win a competitive cap with either but is now under serious consideration and has been monitored closely by Clarke and his scouts.
Scotland have looked at Anderson this season and feel he is getting closer to playing for Clarke's side at senior level. If Anderson remains fit he could be called up by Clarke for November's friendly game away to Turkey in Diyarbakır.
And while the Turkey game would not be classed as a competitive cap it would at least show Anderson that the Scots are serious ahead of next spring's European Championship qualifying series. Scotland already have at least a play-off place in the bag after winning their Nations League group.
Scotland see Anderson as part of the future and want to integrate the 19-year-old with England not calling him up for any of their age groups recently. But he may want to keep his options open not least with Gareth Southgate going to Qatar under fire and a new generation of players likely to be looked at after the World Cup if things don't particularly well.
The Scots feel that Anderson is nearing involvement on the bigger stage after Newcastle scrapped plans to send him out on loan this summer. A queue of clubs including Bristol Rovers, Sheff Wed and Luton wanted Anderson but he was kept on at Newcastle and has played in six first-team matches.
When commenting about the teenager, Howe said: "He’s going to be integral to our plans. You can see that when he’s come off the bench he has contributed. He’ll be desperate for that first start, he’s pushing. I’ve been delighted with the progress he’s made."
READ NEXT:
Full marks for Bruno who tops Newcastle United player ratings vs Brentford
Newcastle United fans raving about 'world class' Bruno after Brentford brace
Wor Flags' display against Brentford celebrates the Newcastle United takeover
Jacob Murphy's Newcastle United 'dream' and agreement with Eddie Howe
