"He looks stronger" - U21 star receives Eddie Howe's backing as boss reveals January boost

Eddie Howe believes Elliot Anderson is edging closer to his first Premier League start for the club, with Jonjo Shelvey's late exit also boosting his hopes of more first-team minutes.

With Bruno Guimaraes also suspended for our next two league games, the 20-year-old could be next in line should one of Joelinton, Joe Willock or Sean Longstaff suffer an injury.

The Whitley Bay-born midfielder came on for the last ten minutes against West Ham and showed real composure on the ball, looking anything but out of his comfort zone in the Premier League.

Anderson was outstanding during last year's loan spell at Bristol Rovers, but he's yet to start a league game for the club, failing to take his chance in cup competitions and struggling with several injury niggles.

That could soon change, however, with Howe claiming that he is 'ready to start' after 'looking stronger' in training and reaching those levels that saw him impress the Newcastle United boss over pre-season.

Here's what Howe had to say, describing the local lad as a player he has full belief in:

“I hope from the transfer window he feels closer to playing, because he certainly is. I hope he feels the strength we have within him, we really believe in him.

“I think he’s got very good attributes but like all players, I think he’d need a run in the team to really show his qualities. But he can certainly play.

“I think he’s ready to start from a physical perspective. He’s had a few niggles - calf problems, thigh problems but these were one or two day injuries that set back his rhythm of training so I don’t think he’s had a really fluid period.

“I think now in training we can see the very best of him again, similar to what we saw in pre-season.

“From a physical perspective, he looks stronger. Mentally Elliot is very strong as well, I think he’s very focused, very driven and wants to do extra every day to try and be the best player he can be. He’s in a place where he can start games but whether he will or not, that’s down to him.

“He hasn’t knocked on my door but we do have regular meetings with him. I think it’s important you communicate with your players and keep updated with his life really.

“He’s had a few physical problems which has knocked him around December and January - they were difficult months for him. But I think he’s through that now and looking a lot happier within himself. He’s working a different elements of his game to try and make himself better.”