Newcastle midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng unfortunate to be out of favour at St James’ Park

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Newcastle United’s Ki Sung-Yueng enjoyed a fairly decent first half of the season following his arrival in the summer from Swansea City.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a spell of nine consecutive league appearances at one point and his influence in Rafael Benitez’s team appeared to be growing.

It would have seemed impossible in December that he would have been frozen out of the XI, but that is now exactly what appears to have happened.

Ki went away for international duty with South Korea at the Asian Cup and also had an injury problem, but has been an unused substitute in the last two league fixtures.

In his absence Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden have formed a midfield combination that has been grinding out results, while also having an excellent balance.

Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey are alternative central midfield options that are in contention, which leaves big question marks over where Ki slots into the picture.

Ki, who earns £40,000-a-week (Spotrac), appeared to be a good fix in the midfield but has definitely been overtaken due to the form of his teammates.

He is an excellent passer of the ball and has a great work-rate, but is going to have be patient from now until the end of the season waiting for his opportunity.