Eddie Howe bemoans lost Newcastle United 'opportunity' – and makes bold claim

The Newcastle United midfielder was replaced by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka against Liverpool last month with just 24 minutes on the clock after Nick Pope was sent off.

Anderson, set to be involved against Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon, had worked hard for the opportunity, and Howe – who believes the 20-year-old will become a “very, very good player” – was frustrated at having to take him off so early in the game.

"It's been a real shame for him, because he had that opportunity to impress against Liverpool, and had to be taken off (after Nick Pope was sent off) in the first half,” said United’s head coach.

"One of the most disappointing things is we didn’t get to see how good Elliot could have been in that game. Elliot’s going to be a very, very good player. He’s got things to improve, which we are currently working on with him. But he has the capability, for sure.”

Meanwhile, Anderson – who make his first-team breakthrough at Newcastle the season before last when Steve Bruce was head coach – could again switch international allegiance.

Anderson, from Whitley Bay, has been playing for Scotland’s Under-21 side, but he previously played for the country of his birth at Under-19 level.

England, it’s been reported, hope to persuade the 20-year-old to play for their Under-21 team.

If Anderson is persuaded to switch, he wouldn’t be able to play for England until September, when their qualifying campaign for Euro 2025 starts.