Newcastle star opens up on nightmare season

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Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has opened up about his difficult season at St. James’ Park.

The 27-year-old has only made 16 appearances so far this term having struggled with a niggling thigh problem.

Shelvey returned against Everton in March having suffered the issue in January, but he has been unable to make himself a regular starter again under Rafa Benitez.

The surprise form of Isaac Hayden has made life difficult for the former Liverpool man, with Sean Longstaff (now injured himself) having also burst onto the scene.

There was a time when Shelvey was viewed as indispensable, but his lack of minutes this term has led to speculation about a potential summer departure.

Speaking about his misfortunes after finally starting against Brighton, he said (as quoted by The Mirror): “Six months is a long time without starting a game. It’s hard to start a game after six months – it’s not as easy as people think. But I think I did reasonably well. I just want to try and maintain my place for the following week.

“I have been very, very down, because you want to play football. You can take all the money away, because at the end of the day all you want to do is play football.”

TBR’s view

Shelvey’s frustrations are understandable – it must be hard to go from being arguably the team’s best player to a benchwarmer.

But Rafa Benitez has been completely justified in his recent team selections, with the club now safe from relegation for another season.

It is likely Shelvey – a £12 million signing from Swansea City (BBC Sport) – will keep his place for the final couple of games after starting against Brighton, if anything to allow possible suitors to be reminded of his talent ahead of the summer transfer window.