In a message to Elliot Anderson after his eye catching debut at Arsenal last weekend, Jamaal Lascelles has revealed just how impressive the 18-year-old has been since training with the senior side.
The U-23 star has been the shining light in our second string this season and finally got his chance to show NUFC fans what he could really do in Saturday night’s FA Cup clash with Arsenal.
He was only on for just over half an hour, but looked both confident and sharp in possession, not shying away from the play like some teenagers would do on the biggest stage – making many wonder why Bruce left him on the bench at Bramall Lane!
After stating what a proud moment it was to see his NUFC dream come true, NUFC skipper Jamaal Lascelles responded to Anderson’s post below – saying his shot at first-team level was “fully deserved” after some “class” performances in training:
“Fully deserved!
“Been class since you starting training with us!
“Well done mate.”
This isn’t the first time a Toon teammate has praised the local lad, with Allan Saint-Maximin calling him a ‘great young player’ when posting a picture of the pair on his Instagram page a few months back.
It’s early days for Anderson, but everything from his outstanding displays at U-23 level, to his attitude, physique and quietly impressive debut at The Emirates suggests we may have a huge talent on our hands.
Let’s hope he is now allowed to kick on from here and is given the sort of chance Matty Longstaff was handed last season.
A loan move to the Championship may be on the cards and a much better idea than sticking him back in the U-23’s, however he could well get a few more opportunities under Steve Bruce if Saturday’s introduction is anything to go off.
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