The Newcastle United man’s place could be in jeopardy at international level.
Florian Lejeune enjoyed a successful return to the Newcastle United fold in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Southampton. The £8.7 million centre-back did concede a penalty in an otherwise stellar comeback following a two-month absence from injury.
Lejeune replaced the ever-present Ciaran Clark in central defence and The Shields Gazette claims that Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez favours the 26-year-old because he has that bit more “footballing intelligence” than Clark.
But you wonder whether the Republic of Ireland international could leave the Magpies in January if Benitez continues to partner fit-again Lejeune with Jamal Lascelles for the next few months.
The 28-year-old, a £5 million signing from Aston Villa in the summer of 2016, could be going to the World Cup with the Boys in Green next summer but his spot on the plane could be heavily jeopardised if he spends the next seven months on the bench.
Clark partnered Shane Duffy in defence last week as the Irish beat Wales to secure a playoff spot and he is likely to start again for Martin O’Neill’s side during the two-legged clash next month.
Falling out of favour at club level would be disastrous for the former Villa man and a move away in the winter might well be his best bet if he wants to remain in the picture at international level.
Regular games are of paramount importance for him and unless he can win his place back from Lejeune then he should consider his future.
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