Steve Bruce makes big decision on Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson

Elliot signed a new long-term deal at the club on his 18th birthday earlier this month.

And the midfielder scored two goals this week when he captained Newcastle's Under-21s in a Papa John’s Trophy tie against Bolton Wanders.

Elliott has been training with the first-team squad for a number of weeks, and he will remain with Bruce’s senior group for the rest of the campaign.

“I think if you haven’t seen one goal in particular he scored the other night against Bolton, I think it’s worth having a look at,” said head coach Bruce.

“We’ve had him now, for the past three or four weeks training with us with the problems we’ve had in the midfield area with Isaac (Hayden), Jonjo (Shelvey) and Matty Ritchie.

“In those three weeks he’s made us all smile and give us something to be excited about, because he looks a very, very good player, the kid. We hope he keeps improving."

Anderson – who was on the bench for the club’s Carabao Cup tie against Newport County earlier this season – could make a first-team appearance before the end of the campaign.

“He can only improve playing and jumping up with us,” said Bruce. “He’ll stay with us. He’s not going back to the Academy. He’ll train us every day. We’re delighted with him, He’s been a breath of fresh air, it’s great to see.

“If he keeps performing the way he is it’s inevitable he’ll get his chance. He’s done very well.”

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