Newcastle United arguably have the strongest squad in the Championship.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day FA Cup special last night, former Leeds United defender Danny Mills offered his opinion on the Magpies’ strength in depth, and highlighted three players in particular who displayed genuine quality during their 3-1 win over Birmingham City.
Shelvey’s return to the side, following a five game suspension, could not have come at a better time for Rafa Benitez, what with the current injury crisis that is threatening to derail their promotion hopes.
And Mills raved about Shelvey’s display, labelling him as a player of genuine quality, along with Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran, when speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day FA Cup special last night:
Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie celebrates with Jonjo Shelvey
“I think Shelvey coming back into the side is huge for Newcastle, he’s been a big miss. Gouffran seems to have a new lease of life under Rafa Benitez, and Ritchie was at it all night long. And you’ve got three players there with real quality.”
The 24-year-old midfielder’s influence on that way in which the Magpies play was probably only truly appreciated when he was absent from the side.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez
And Newcastle’s chances of achieving promotion to the Premier League this season will surely be heavily dependant on whether Shelvey can stay fit, and avoid another lengthy suspension.
Next up for Benitez’ men is a home game against Rotherham United in the Championship on Saturday, before their attentions turn back to the FA Cup, with a trip to Oxford United the following weekend.
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