Elliot Anderson road to Scotland over England revealed as 'little think' led Newcastle starlet north

Steve Clarke revealed Elliot Anderson had to have a “little think” before committing his future to Scotland but admitted he is delighted to have won the battle for the Newcastle United starlet.

And the national team gaffer says the 20-year-old Magpies midfield ace can be part of a bright future for the national team, insisting he is picking players who can be part of the Scotland squad through right through to Euro 2028.

Anderson hails from the north east of England and has made the breakthrough at first team level at his local team with Eddie Howe talking the player up. Qualifying through the grandparent rule, Anderson starred for Scotland from Under-16 to Under-18 level before turning out for the Three Lions at Under-19 level and then back to Scotland for Under-21s. But he has now opted to play for Scotland at full level with Clarke including him in the squad for the Euro 2024 qualifier away to Cyprus followed by a Hampden friendly against the Auld Enemy, the nation he snubbed.

Clarke said: “Obviously he’s a good player and he’s doing well for his club. Elliot’s one who has been through the underage groups with Scotland and one we’ve had an eye on. He had an enquiry, a little think about choosing between Scotland and England.

“We had some good discussions with the boy and his family and he’s chosen to come with us which I think is good for us now - and certainly good for us in the future. He’s been with us in general. Obviously when you get to a certain stage in your career and you can say your career has started to take off, which Elliot’s has at Newcastle. We’ve got some great reports from people within the club at Newcastle which is great to hear.

“And then you have to make that choice. Elliot was born in England,