Hatters chief described Magpies winger Gordon during his days with England
Former Everton starlet drew the notice of Luton manager

Luton boss Rob Edwards was never in doubt that Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon had what it takes to become a star after working with him during his time with England.

Having retired from playing in October 2013, Edwards had spells with the Wolves academy and manager of AFC Telford before being selected as a coach with the England U20s in 2019, also named in charge of the Three Lions’ U16s before going to take over at Forest Green in May 2021.

It was while with England though that he worked with Gordon, then just a teenager and on the books of Everton, after come through the ranks at Goodison Park. A £45m move to St James’ Park in January didn’t start off as he would have wanted last season, but this term he has started to reach the potential Edwards spotted, with six goals and four assists, becoming one of the most feared attacking players in the top flight and rumours emanating of a call-up to the full senior team as well.

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The Luton chief obviously remembers his meetings with the 22-year-old, who was judged fit for today’s contest after sustaining an Achilles injury in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup loss at the hands of Chelsea.

He said: “I’m so impressed, so impressed with what he’s done. He’s evolved into one of the top pressers in the league, he’s a true outlet for them, his quality has been excellent. He won’t remember it but I did a number of camps, I was lucky enough to work with him in the U20s for England and always liked him then, but he’s really kicked on, he looks like a good talent.

“I saw him close at hand and really liked him then, you can’t not. What he’s done is he’s gone for a lot of money, more pressure and he’s stood up to it and seems like he’s embraced that and relished it. He’s a really, really talented footballer.”

Gordon is part of a Newcastle club who have a plethora of goalscoring threats in their side, with Callum Wilson on seven top flight goals already this term, Alexander Isak also has the same and Miguel Almiron on three.

The Luton chief continued: “You can go through every single one of them and say ‘he’s good, he’s good, he’s good.’ They’ve got good players. Callum Wilson, a big, major threat, Isaak isn’t terrible either, so we’re saying that every week, whoever we come up against.

“I know this is a bit of a different level again, no disrespect to Bournemouth as I think they’ve got some wonderful players, but Newcastle have done really, very well, top individuals and they’re well coached.”

The visitors have had a number of injury concerns this season already as they are missing England international Nick Pope and Joelinton, although Fabian Schar takes his place in the back-line.

Despite that, Edwards is preparing for a big battle from a side who finished fourth last year and are pushing for a top four berth again this term, sitting in seventh spot ahead of kick-off.

On the test in front of this side, the boss said: “Energy, quality, a real clear way of playing. They’ve had a lot of games this year, Champions League games, cup games and I know they’ve had injuries as well, a lot of us have had.

“They’ve been having to churn the games out, but we’re expecting the best Newcastle which will be high energy and a front footed game. I think both teams will be eager to win, so I think it will be an interesting one, while also understanding we’re up against a team that’s been in the Champions League this year and a team that’s battling to get in there again.

“So they’re incredibly good, it’s a really, really difficult game for us, another major challenge.”

On his first meeting with the former Bournemouth and Burnley boss Eddie Howe, Edwards added: “I’m looking forward to meeting him, a lot of respect for him and think he’s a real shining light for British coaches at the moment

“I have enormous regard for what Eddie Howe has done in his whole coaching career, but what he’s done now at Newcastle is really, very outstanding. I appreciate the way he goes about things, like the way he handles himself, everything about him. I believe the job they’ve done with their staff and his players has been very, truly amazing watching from afar.”