Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has emphasised that Jonjo Shelvey has an important part to play in the Magpies’ season.
The 24 year old was named as captain by Steve McClaren in the absence of the injured Fabricio Coloccini last season but was used sparingly by Benitez after he took over as manager back in March. The midfielder also started this season on the bench after failing to make the starting eleven for the opening match against Fulham. Shelvey did however return to the starting lineup against both Huddersfield Town and the 4-1 victory against Reading on Wednesday night. Benitez told the Shields Gazette that every member of his squad will be used during the 46 match Championship season:
“No matter what level of team you manage, you have around 25 players. You have to pick 11 and they have to realise that every must work hard to compete to be in that team. The main thing is the team, to win. All of the players important for me. Jonjo is a very important player for us. He was not playing versus Fulham, but played the second (game). They have to realise that the only way to be strong as a team is to have a strong squad and every player must compete for a position in a positive way.”
The Magpies face Bristol City on Saturday in their fourth league match as they look to recover from a poor start. The Robins meanwhile won the first two matches of their league campaign before losing 1-0 to Norwich City on Tuesday night.
