Elliot Anderson 'considers' ditching Scotland for England as talented Newcastle kid faces major international call

Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson is reportedly considering ditching Scotland to represent England at international level.

Teenager Anderson, born in North-West England, is eligible for both countries through his parents and trained with both at Under-19 level. He has represented Scotland since Under-15 though and was capped by the Under-21s back in the summer.

He is highly-rated at Newcastle having made his first-team breakthrough this season and recently penned a new long-term deal. Now he's resolved his club future, The Telegraph report he is giving serious thought to where his international allegiance lies with both the Scottish and English FAs keeping a close eye on him. They say he has not made a decision yet and would be happy to play for either, but it is "widely expected" he will switch over to England if they approach him to declare.

Anderson pulled out of the most recent Scotland Under-21 squad with injury but has made four senior appearances for Newcastle this season and could soon be on Steve Clarke 's radar for a senior call-up if his development continues. But Clarke has previously been reluctant to call up players who are not 100 per cent committed to playing for Scotland - with Che Adams left in the cold for two years after initially rejecting Alex McLeish's advances.

Speaking after Anderson signed his new deal, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: "We are all delighted with Elliot's development. He is a natural talent, but he also has an excellent work ethic and always wants to learn. I know our supporters will be especially pleased to see another local boy coming through from the academy into the first team.

“Elliot has earned that chance, and he has set a great example to our young players.