Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has said that Jonjo Shelvey will be seeing more first team action after his performance against Liverpool on Sunday.
The midfielder played a key role in the Magpies’ 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, delivering a sublime pass through the Liverpool defence to set up striker Joselu for an equaliser after Phillipe Coutinho had given the visitors the lead with a ferocious strike.
Shelvey was making just his second start of the season against the Reds, having found himself pushed out of the starting XI by Isaac Hayden and Mikel Merino during his suspension for a stamp on Dele Alli in his last start.
However the 25-year-old can be expecting to see himself included in the starting line up more often after boss Benitez gave a huge hint as to the midfielder’s future.
Speaking after the match, the Spanish manager told the Chronicle: “The team as a team was working very hard, and he (Shelvey) has the quality.
“If he works as hard as today, he will have more chances to play.
“I told him before the game, ‘You know how to play football, it’s just keep working hard, keep your head focused on the game.'”
Shelvey has made just four appearances for the Magpies this season, two of which came as starts, having seen himself ruled out for three matches after his opening day red card.
He played a crucial role in the club’s title winning campaign last season and ensuring that he and his team mates returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Since arriving at the club from Swansea in the winter transfer window of 2016, he has made 66 appearances across all competitions, with five goals and 15 assists to his name.