Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey proved how he is not yet ready to reclaim his England international place with that stamp on Tottenham’s Dele Alli last Sunday.
Though difficult to deny the ex-Charlton, Liverpool and Swansea man’s ability on the pitch, there appears to be issue when it comes to the midfielder’s mentality.
The 25-year-old Newcastle United player stamped on Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli in last week’s opening Premier League fixture – directly in front of the referee – and duly received his marching orders.
It was reported by The Daily Mail that Shelvey has been seeing a psychologist in an attempt to rectify his behaviour – but incidents like this will do nothing to dispell the reputation Shelvey has earned.
And Shelvey’s reputation will surely inhibit any potential recall to the England team, with the FA keen to maintain a presentable image and distance themselves from any potential negative publicity.
Whilst also needing to re-establish himself as a reliable player at the highest level (which will be difficult to do given his instant high-profile dismissal), Shelvey has to compete with quality opposition to come close to earning back that place.
With players such as Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Danny Drinkwater and James Ward-Prowse currently not even getting a look in; the road ahead looks tough for the Newcastle playmaker.
Never count him out though, a player as unpredictable as Shelvey always has the potential to redeem himself – and Newcastle fans will fully support him and hope that he will do so.
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