Michael O’Neill praises Jonjo Shelvey display for Newcastle

Jonjo Shelvey played well for Newcastle United against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

Michael O'Neill, Manager of Northern Ireland looks dejected following the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off: Second Leg between Switzerland and Northern Ireland at St. Jakob-Park on...

Northern Ireland national football team head coach Michael O’Neill has told BBC Sport that Jonjo Shelvey played well for Newcastle United against Southampton.

Former Liverpool midfielder Shelvey featured for Newcastle in the Premier League game against Southampton at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

The 26-year-old played well for the Magpies, who won 3-0 against the Saints to enhance their chances of avoiding the drop to the Championship at the end of the season.

Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United speaks to Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March...

Former Newcastle midfielder O’Neill was following the match, and he was impressed with the performance of Shelvey, who joined Newcastle from Swansea City in January 2016 for a transfer fee reported by The Guardian to be worth £12 million, although he did state that the England international was not as good as he was against Manchester United.

O’Neill told BBC Sport: “Jonjo Shelvey had a good game. Not as good as against Manchester United, where he was my man of the match, but today he has played the ball forward, picked up second balls and been very disciplined with Diame in midfield.”

Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United in the warm up prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Bournemouth,...