Elliot Anderson is still in with a shout of staying in Eddie Howe's squad with the Newcastle United boss insisting he is undecided about the youngster's future.
The 19-year-old was one of the best Toon players on the pitch against Mainz 05 where he put in a performance above his years. Not only did he make some telling runs, he was also seen encouraging the team and pushing for decisions from officials.
His display prompted chants of "Geordie Maradona" from the travelling fans from Tyneside and around the UK. When asked about Anderson's immediate future - with a queue of clubs wanting him on loan in time for the impending EFL season this month - Howe says he had not made his mind up.
Howe said: “He did well again. I thought he showed an ability to turn in those tight areas, it was a congested pitch centrally. I thought he did really well a couple of times without being able to force the last pass that we wanted.
"Nothing’s clear at this point. He’s in and around the group. "He’s not looking out of place. "In that company, that’s saying something.
"We’ll do what’s best for us and Elliot. When I say us I mean the team and the club. "I think if we feel he’ll play minutes, we’ll keep him. "If he won’t play and contribute, we’ll loan him."
United signed off from Austria yesterday and Anderson will now join the group in Portugal later this week.
READ NEXT
- Bruno's ambitious double aim this season with Newcastle United and Brazil
- New partnership at St James' Park will shape future of Newcastle United
- Eddie Howe confirms who will be club captain and why
- Eddie Howe makes candid statement over Newcastle attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike
- Newcastle United must wait on Armando Broja
