Jonjo Shelvey form will be crucial to any Newcastle hopes of a top half finish

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Newcastle United are up to 11th in the Premier League table and all of a sudden things are looking a lot more promising.

The Magpies impressively beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane on Thursday, and the club could end up in the top half if they pick up another three points against Southampton on Sunday.

It was a great result for Newcastle, with Sheffield United having given a fantastic account of themselves so far this season under Chris Wilder.

Newcastle were typically resolute at the back, which has become something quite staple under Steve Bruce.

That tightness at the back is going to be a big positive going forwards, but if Newcastle harbour hopes of a top-half finish from here, the form of one man in particular is going to be key.

TBR’s view – Metronome Shelvey can help Newcastle soar

Newcastle’s solid defence is a great basis for picking up points, but Shelvey has the kind of quality that can see Bruce’s team turn hard-fought draws into perhaps unlikely victories here and there.

He has now scored in United’s last two games, taking his tally to three for the season.

The £12 million signing (BBC Sport) appears to be playing with a fantastic self-assurance at the moment and if he can continue to play in that manner for the rest of the season, there’s no reason why Newcastle can’t sneak into that top 10.

The foundations really are there for Newcastle – they now just need someone to bring everything together in the middle and final thirds.