The midfielder moved to Aston Villa in the January window but Newcastle United could have used his expansive distribution against QPR.
Jonjo Shelvey may have taken his goal tally for the season to four with a typically thunderous volley inside the opening minute against Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday but, throughout the preceding 89 minutes of action, he alone could not cover up Newcastle United’s transfer failings.
The Magpies were linked with a whole host of central midfielders throughout the month, from Chelsea prodigy Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Everton scrapper James McCarthy via former Barnsley skipper Conor Hourihane.
Yet none arrived and, as a result, Newcastle’s squad appears rather thin. After all, with Shelvey ruled out through suspension after the festive period, their season showed signs of collapse.
And in the 2-2 draw with QPR, Newcastle’s lack of control in the midfield contributed as much to the two dropped points as Ciaran Clark’s calamitous own goal at the death.
Shelvey and co. lost possession frequently, arrived late to loose balls and lacked any semblance of precision. And, in the second half, frustration nearly boiled over again as the 24-year-old appeared to lash out at Jamie Mackie.
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Newcastle won only twice in the five games he was forced to sit out in December and January and, needless to say, they could do without another prolonged absence.
And, although it is too simplistic to assume that the addition McCarthy, Loftus-Cheek or Hourihane (below) would have guaranteed three points at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, they certainly would have given a lethargic, tired Newcastle a better chance.
Hourihane, in particular, may have at least wrestled some degree of control. The midfielder, who the Daily Mail claim was monitored by Newcastle, is renowned for his excellent passing range and ability to dictate tempo from deep.
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With Shelvey off the boil, the Magpies could surely have benefited from his calming influence in the midfield.
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