- Elliot Anderon praised by Newcastle United legend
- Nottingham Forest star scores huge goal for club
- Magpies fans can’t help but agree with classy Given verdict
Ex Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has paid a heartfelt tribute to Elliot Anderson after the Nottingham Forest midfielder made headlines with a late equaliser against the Magpies this afternoon.
The England international has had an outstanding season at the City Ground despite Forest being embroiled in a relegation battle, becoming one of the division’s most coveted assets amid talk of a potential £100 million summer transfer to Manchester City.
Anderson, who had played 90 minutes in the 4-0 Europa League defeat to Aston Villa on Thursday night, played the full match against the Magpies in another industrious performance. The 23-year-old had a tasty battle with Bruno Guimaraes in the centre of the park.
Elliot Anderson secures point for Nottingham Forest
His crowning moment came in the 88th minute with a bustling run through the Newcastle defence before poking past Nick Pope to secure a vital point for his side. It was a painful moment for the Magpies, who continue to regret letting the player leave for just £35 million in 2024.
Working as a BBC pundit, Given put his allegiances to one side to acknowledge Anderson’s fantastic character after full-time. The midfielder lost his mother last month but has continued to show up for his side.
Shay Given praises ex Newcastle United star’s character
Given said: “It was fitting for Elliot Anderson to have the last say in that game against his former club and after the sad passing of his mother. He’s shown incredible resolve over the last few weeks as losing a parent is one of the biggest things that could ever happen to anyone.
“People often forget the human side of players, they aren’t just robots. For him to keep playing at the level he has been – when he will have been hurting so much – has been unbelievable. It will have meant so much to him to score against Newcastle, his mum was a Geordie and he will no doubt have had mates in the away end.
“He is some player and he has yet again shown what a mistake Newcastle made by letting him go. That goal today has earned Forest the point that might be the one that seals their safety for next season. He got cramp when he scored and that showed just how much effort he puts in today and week in, week out.”
In other news, Newcastle United Player Ratings: ‘Colossal’ 8/10 but ‘shaky’ 4 as Nottingham Forest grab point.
