Eddie Howe's Elliot Anderson decision pays off amid Newcastle United blow

Newcastle United's decision to remain patient over Elliot Anderson's future looks to have paid off after Jonjo Shelvey was ruled out until with a hamstring problem. The 30-year-old was in London last week for an assessment and it is understood he is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Shelvey looks unlikely to play again before Premier League season temporarily stops for the World Cup in November and Newcastle are suddenly looking short in midfield in the former Liverpool star's absence. Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are all options for Eddie Howe in the middle of the park but Anderson is another who could feature after impressing in pre-season.

His performance as the most attacking member of the midfield trio against Atalanta last month was a signal that he may be ready to play a part in Newcastle's first team. The Magpies have fielded multiple offers for his services this summer, as upwards of 12 Championship and Scottish clubs try to secure a loan deal following his Bristol Rovers exploits last season.

However, Howe's plan to wait until the end of the summer to make a decision on Anderson's immediate future looks to have paid off as Shelvey's injury may hand the 19-year-old his well-deserved chance in the first team.

“He’s performed very well,” the Newcastle boss said last month. "No decision will be made on his future until towards the end of the transfer window, probably the last few days. At the moment, it certainly looks like he’s going to stay with us, because of how he’s performing.

"His performance today was very good. I thought he was very, very good defensively today, very good tactically to understand his position, but also technically in tight areas, really quick feet. For me,