1. (of circumstances) characterized by poverty. "those from needy backgrounds" 2. (of a person) lacking the necessities of life; very poor. 3. (of a person) needing emotional support; insecure. and i think it is the third meaning because a pat on the back idiom in the beginning of the question and speaking about brilliant idea in the last of the question to encourage him in his work or something like that .

I think that the closest equivalent to "needy" in the sentence would be 'looking noticeably opportunistic' (even if not willing it or doubteously) Regards

People that need or crave attention are sometimes said to be 'needy'. That could be an insecure mother, a pretty girl that thinks she deserves a lot of attention, or a spoilt only son. As it is usually seen as a negative personality trait, people prefer not to be seen to be needy. If you are concerned about how people see you, you think about how your actions might be interpreted - in this case as needy.