Eddie Howe says he wants to see more from Elliot Anderson before deciding whether to loan him out or keep him at St James' Park. Newcastle could feasibly hold on to Anderson because at 19 he is not taking up a place in the 25-man squad. Howe looked at Anderson - back from a loan at Bristol Rovers - for an hour and liked what he saw in the 3-0 win over 1860 Munich.
Rovers want Anderson back but the likes of Luton, West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday all want to sign the playmaker on a season long deal. Speaking after the win in Saalfelden, Howe was asked about Anderson and said: "I think that's probably been the biggest development.
"He looks like he has the ability now to go box to box, to compete not just in possession, but out of possession with duels. I thought he pressed well during the first half. I think we've seen a real growth in his endurance levels."
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And Howe went on: "He's come back with a real enthusiasm and desire to do well, and show us how much he's progressed since his loan spell. I thought he was probably the biggest bright spark we had during that first half, which was a difficult one for us. I've been really impressed by him.
‘"He's quite quiet within the group, but is a very steely, determined lad who wants to do well. We really like him."
Howe has other youngsters in the squad in Austria including Jay Turner-Cooke and Kell Watts. Watts was not in the squad for the clash against 1860 Munich while Turner-Cooke did not get off the bench. The Toon boss has to blend in getting sufficient minutes into the legs of the players as well as try out some fringe youngsters. Both Jamal Lewis and Matt Ritchie were missing with knocks on Friday afternoon.
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