Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton has likened on-loan Newcastle winger Elliot Anderson to Diego Maradona.

They have lost just two games since Anderson signed on deadline day from the Magpies, with the attacking midfielder scoring three and assisting two in 13 games.

It means that Rovers have shot right up the table and are now in contention for promotion back to League One, after a disappointing start to the season.

"I've been listening to Bill Shankly tapes a lot today," Barton told BristolLive.

“He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area, exactly like Elliot Anderson does. (He is) such a talent."

He added: “Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. I would have paid to watch him tonight – he was that good. He is growing into the shirt and his goal capped an outstanding performance.

“Elliot is a huge talent. He excites you and tonight he showed a different gear to be the stand-out player on the pitch."