VITOR PEREIRA hailed the character of Elliot Anderson after he rescued a point for Nottingham Forest just two days after his mother’s funeral.
The England midfielder, 23, was the hero for Forest on Jattvibeday with his last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw against his former club, Newcastle.
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Elliot Anderson bagged a crucial equaliser against Newcastle Credit: ALAMY
Anderson is still processing the loss passing of his mother Credit: ALAMY
Anderson’s late mum, Helen, passed away suddenly last month Credit: INSTAGRRAM@ELLIOTANDERSONN
It was a goal that took Forest one step closer to Premier League safety and saw Anderson’s name sung by both sets of fans when the full-time whistle blew.
Pereira, 57, opened up on what was an emotional goal for the youngster.
He said: “It’s difficult for everybody to understand what he is feeling inside.
“He honoured his mother on the pitch by running until the last minute. He wanted to score a goal a lot, and he believed until the end.
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Helen was a supportive and pivotal figure in Elliot Anderson’s life Credit: INSTAGRAM@ELLIOTTANDERSONN
The Anderson family laid Helen to rest a few days ago Credit: INSTAGRAM@ELLIOTTANDERSONN
“He is a very talented player, but has a very strong character.
“He has the quality to score goals. In the warm-up, my assistant said that Elliot was on fire; every shot he took, he scored.
“He had the funeral of his mother two days ago, and I think he wanted to honour his mother today, that’s why he tried so hard until the last minute.
“He plays for himself, but he plays for her too.”
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Forest boss Vitor Peireira has hailed the mental toughness Elliot Anderson has shown over the last few weeks Credit: ALAMY
Anderson has been linked with a nine-figure move to multiple top Premier League clubs in the summer, and is expected to start for England alongside Declan Rice at the World Cup.
But Pereira refused to comment on any speculation that he likely will not be playing at the City Ground more than once next season.
The Portuguese manager added: “I don’t have the answer (to whether he will still be here next season), he deserves to be on top of the world. We need to enjoy him.
“I have worked with some top players, but to find one with his character is not easy. I’m not thinking about next season right now.”
Anderson’s former boss, Eddie Howe, was also asked about Forest’s number eight in his post-match press conference.
48-year-old Howe said that the sale of Anderson was one Newcastle knew was a mistake even while they were doing it, but that it had to be done due to the Premier League’s PSR rules.
Howe said: “We regretted it when we were doing it.
“We knew that would be a very painful transfer, but one that we had to do; we didn’t have a choice.
“It is probably the most reluctant transfer I will ever make, given the quality of the player and having seen him close up after several years training with us.
“He’s going to have a fantastic career wherever he goes, and he’s a great lad as well. It’s painful for us to take.”
