Elliot Anderson
Steve Bruce joked that his failure to spot Elliot Anderson's change into a sitting midfielder is a reason he's not managing anymore.
The former Premier League boss gave the England international his professional debut when he was in charge of Newcastle.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest challenge during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford5
Anderson excelled on his Old Trafford audition by registering two assists
In January 2021, Bruce sent on Magpies youth sensation Anderson during a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.
Just over a week later, the 65-year-old handed the midfielder his Premier League debut with a cameo against the same opposition.
At the time, Anderson, who had been on the books at St James' Park since the age of eight, was profiled as an attacking midfielder.
However, five years on, the 23-year-old has shone in a deeper role for Nottingham Forest and will be England's No.6 at the World Cup.
Elliot Anderson transfer latest
talkSPORT have revealed that Vítor Pereira's side are expecting a wave of offers for the Geordie before the World Cup commences.
Manchester UnitedandMan Cityhave already held talks with Anderson's camp,with Forest expected to want around £100million.
Steve Bruce shares Elliot Anderson memories
The seven-cap international hugely impressed on his Old Trafford audition, registering two assists in his side's 3-2 loss to the Red Devils.
Speaking on talkSPORT's live coverage from the game, his former manager Bruce admitted: "He's a good footballer.
Fernandes gets record-equalling Premier League assist, Alonso unveiled as new Chelsea bossEFL club confirm deal for son of Bayern Munich legend'Shouldn't be happening' - WSL clubs warned as worrying transfer trend continuesFA Cup loss showed huge scale of job awaiting Alonso at Chelsea - here's what needs fixing
Newcastle Head Coach Steve Bruce (C) speaks to Elliot Anderson5
Bruce was Newcastle's boss when Anderson progressed through the club's youth ranks
Elliot Anderson of Newcastle United makes his senior debut5
He then handed him his senior debut away at Arsenal in January 2021
"I had a brief spell with him when he was a kid at Newcastle," Bruce continued on Anderson. "And I believe I gave him his debut.
"I mean, he was always a talent, and I never thought he was going to be a deep-lying [midfielder]."
"Maybe that's why I'm not managing any more," Bruce joked.
"I never thought to see him as a deep-lying midfield player that he seems to play these days.
"When I had him as a kid, he always wanted to go forward. He is very, very good in and around [the box].
"We always thought he was going to be a number 10, but there you go. He's playing in the midfield as a deep-lying one."
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford5
Anderson will be in high demand this summer
Newcastle ultimately sold their academy graduate to Nottingham Forest in July 2024 for £35m to comply with PSR.
It effectively went down as just £15m on the balance sheet, with Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the opposite direction for £20m.
Last season, Anderson helped Forest qualify for European football for the first time since the 1995/96 campaign, and was a main force behind the team that reached the Europa League semi-finals this term.
The two goals he set up against United have meant that he now boasts four Premier League assists, having scored as many himself.
Anderson could have played his way into replacing Casimiro
Bruce added on Anderson at full-time: "His forward play is very, very good and we've just seen that today.
"He's got two assists, two great passes, one great cross, and he's turned into a very, very good player himself, who I would sure be absolutely nailed on that he's going to get on that plane to go to the World Cup."
Elliot Anderson5
Anderson has played over 50 games for club and country this season
Arsenal hero Perry Groves added: "I think that Elliot Anderson could have played his way into replacing Casimiro for Manchester United next season.
"I think it's him, as I've said before or Adam Wharton. They're your two choices who play in that centre midfield."