Anderson eyes birthday cheer

The young Magpies take on the newly-promoted Whites at Whitley Park (kick-off 1pm GMT) and go in search of back-to-back home wins following a 2-1 win against Fulham at St. James' Park over a fortnight ago.

Chris Hogg's side, however, have suffered two successive Division Two defeats, both away at West Bromwich Albion and Reading respectively, but Anderson is determined for Newcastle's second-string to return back to winning ways.

The teenager, who has already represented Scotland at under-19 level, said: "It's an important game, like all the league games are, especially coming off the back of a defeat against Reading.

"It'll be good to see how we react as a team and hopefully we can perform well and take home the three points.

"We played well at times (against Reading) and created quite a few chances but we just couldn't manage to take all of them. There were a few mistakes leading up to their goals too which could have been avoided.

"Leeds have started the season well (currently sitting in second place) and look like they have got a strong side with some good players but I'm confident if we play the way we can and do things right, we'll have a good chance to win."

Anderson, grandson of former Newcastle United winger Geoff Allen, was handed his first taste of senior action in September as the 17-year-old was named on the bench  for the Magpies' Carabao Cup tie at Newport County.

The attacking midfielder, who lives in Whitley Bay, may not have made his senior debut that evening but took away plenty of invaluable experience with his boyhood club.  

"It was mint!", Anderson added. "I found out I was in the squad the night before because I was travelling with the under-23s playing in the cup (an EFL Trophy clash away at Crewe Alexandra).

"Just going from watching them on TV to being around it all was great. You get to see what it is like at the top level and it gives you an idea of what it takes.

"It felt quite strange being in and around them compared to when I used to watch from the stands with my mates. When I am with the first-team, I just try to take as much advice as I can and try to improve."

Anderson, who joined United's youth system at under-nine level, netted six times in an impressive maiden season with Newcastle's under-23 side last term after making his debut at the tender age of 16.

Along with bagging two goals in three league matches at second-string level this season, Anderson has trained with the Magpies' first-team and admits he is relishing the opportunities with the senior squad.

"Training with the first-team is quite tough and it's a great challenge for me," he said. "I think it's very quick and you have to make fast decisions on what to do when you have the ball. 

"The hardest thing is adjusting to the speed and the time you have on it. The players are very nice and have made me feel welcome. 

"I'm very happy with how I've developed and progressed over the last year. I didn't quite think I'd have made as much progression as I have but I know I have to keep working hard and doing the things that I do."

Anderson also received a pleasant surprise last month when Newcastle's Allan Saint-Maximin uploaded a photo on his Instagram account of the pair whilst in training.

The teenager revealed he was slightly taken aback by the Frenchman's post and added the 23-year-old has been strongly supportive of the midfielder.

"Obviously, Allan's a very good player and well-known," Anderson explained. "I was quite shocked when I seen the post and it all came about very quickly! 

"I've spoken to him on the pitch and he's helped me feel relaxed and settled in training. He's given me some good advice too and it's good to watch him to see what he does."

Kick-off for Friday's Premier League 2 meeting at Whitley Park is at 1pm (GMT), with the game due to take place behind closed doors.