Rising star Elliot Anderson eyes place in Newcastle United history books alongside Paul Gascoigne and the FA Youth Cup winning class of '85

Arsenal's German-born Portuguese defender Cedric Soares (L) vies with Newcastle United's English midfielder Elliot Anderson (R) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 9, 2021.

Newcastle United under-18 skipper Elliot Anderson is relishing the opportunity to emulate the FA Youth Cup winning side of 1985 as the young Magpies eye a place in the competition last four.

A very strong Aston Villa outfit head to St James’ Park this evening (kick-off 7pm) in the quarter final of the cup.

And 18-year-old Anderson thinks his side have what it takes to write their name in the history books alongside the likes of Paul Gascoigne from the class of ‘85.

"It is a very important game, all the lads are looking forward to it. And I think the way we have been training, we have a good chance of winning,” said youngster Anderson, who made his Magpies’ first team debut in January.

“This isn’t something that has been done for three or four years, when the team got to the quarters. So hopefully we can go further.

“If everyone is on top form we are more than capable of winning. We just need everyone to play well and everything to click and we will be OK."

Anderson has spent the season training with Steve Bruce’s United first team pool as well as turning out for the club’s under-23 side on occasions.

But captaining the team he’s gone through the academy age groups with is a special honour for the Geordie lad.

"Being the captain, leading the team out is something you always want to do,” said Anderson.

“No matter what ages it is, it puts that little bit of responsibility on you and I quite like it.”

The match this evening will be shown live on NUFC TV with a semi-final spot the prize for the youngsters.

“I quite like the pressure knowing everyone will be watching from home. It is a shame there will be no supporters there,” he continued.

“There are some of the big teams who’ve been knocked out – like Manchester City and Chelsea – so I think we are more than capable of making the final.”

Our writer Jordan Cronin will be at St James’ Park tonight providing live coverage of Newcastle United v Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup.