Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Journalist hints at shock starting XI inclusion

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Image for Newcastle United: Journalist hints at shock starting XI inclusion

Journalist Liam Kennedy has spoken on the NUFC Matters podcast on all things regarding Newcastle United as the Magpies aim to survive the drop this season.

Steve Bruce has been hit by a long list of injuries to some of his starting players as Newcastle enter the business end of the season hovering dangerously above the relegation zone.

Kennedy suggested young midfielder Elliot Anderson could feature in the run into the end of the 2020/21 Premier League season as a result of the injuries picked up in recent weeks.

Anderson made his professional debut for the Magpies back in January in their FA Cup defeat away to Arsenal, but the 18-year-old is still to make his full Premier League debut, having featured for just three minutes against the Gunners in their league clash some nine days later.

“One left-field option is Elliot Anderson, he’s going to be available for the weekend,” said Kennedy.

“They have been talking him up, I do think he will probably play a part between now and the end of the season, and I do think he is the only real natural number 10 that is in that squad at the moment. But is it too early for a young lad to come in? He looks ready.”

The youngster has played six games in the Premier League 2 this season and has netted five goals in the process, which may give him an outside chance of making his Premier League debut.

Will Newcastle avoid the drop?

Yes

Yes

No

No

TIF Thoughts on Kennedy’s comments…

The fact Newcastle could be depending on an 18-year-old to fill the gaps in their squad with the huge stakes at risk shows just how desperate they are and how badly they’ve been hit by injuries as of late.

Anderson has clearly excelled in the youth teams, however, we have seen with the Longstaff brothers that finding consistency in the first team is a whole different experience.

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