He represented the Republic of Ireland, and played for club sides West Bromwich Albion, Preston North End and Newcastle United.
He was given a testimonial by the club in 1992 after 10 years as a Newcastle United player, during which time he made 337 league appearances, scoring 14 goals.
[2] Anderson's only international goal was the match winner in the 3–2 victory over the US in a friendly game at Dalymount Park on 29 October 1979.
He won 16 caps for the full team and was in the squad for the 1988 European Championship finals, although he was an unused substitute for all of the three Group B matches.
[2] He was always a fans' favourite at St James' Park and he is regularly asked to come to the club for ex-players' events.