Eddie Howe opens door to Elliot Anderson return after Nottingham Forest move

Eddie Howe was quizzed on Elliot Anderson’s sparkling form at Nottingham Forest ahead of our clash with the Reds at St James’ Park this weekend.

Over a year on from his PSR-driven switch from Newcastle to Nottingham, Howe spoke openly about our regret at losing such an exciting young player, who is now considered one of the Premier League’s top talents and an England regular after another call-up today.

Bringing him back home won’t be an easy task in future windows, as the 22-year-old’s value will have rocketed through the roof, but Howe didn’t hide his interest in bringing him back to the club he grew up supporting and dreaming of playing for.

Asked if he could see the midfielder returning to Newcastle one day, Howe said: “I don’t know, but certainly from my perspective, I would love him too.

“I’m very respectful of the fact he is at another football club and I would never normally talk about a player in that way, so, I won’t change that stance, but yeah.

“It is very regretful a player from the Academy who had given so much… and the club had given so much too, the coaching staff, all those years here, and how people tried to develop those talents, for him not to be utilised here is a real shame.”

The boss then revealed his “mixed feelings” about watching his rise at Nottingham Forest, clearly wishing the combative midfielder was still wearing a black and white shirt after seeing his career take off over the past 12 months:

“Delighted for him. Every time I watch him play there is mixed feelings. Knowing what a great lad he is and how dedicated he is to his profession, when you watch him play there is a regret that’s not for us.”

“He’s very brave, wants the ball in every situation and I hope his career continues to go from strength to strength.”