Rafael Benitez shares Jonjo Shelvey’s desperation to feature for Newcastle United

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Newcastle United beat Southampton last weekend, with Jonjo Shelvey playing a starring role.

Rafael Benitez has told the Chronicle how Jonjo Shelvey forced his way into Newcastle United’s starting line-up against Southampton last weekend.

Shelvey had picked up an injury in training, and there was fears that the midfielder would miss out on featuring in the contest.

However, Benitez was convinced by Shelvey that he was ready to feature, and the Newcastle midfielder did a stellar job.

Newcastle won 3-0 against Southampton, with Shelvey providing two assists during the contest.

And Benitez said: “He was injured during the week.

“He was pushing really hard.

“We felt that maybe he couldn’t play but he was desperate.”

Newcastle must be delighted that Shelvey did come through unscathed, as he has now had time to recover from the knock.

The Magpies are without a game until the end of the month, due to the international break and their early exit from the FA Cup, and they are currently in Spain on warm weather training.

Shelvey will now be recuperating, as Newcastle prepare for what looks set to be a vital run in.

Newcastle are currently five points above the drop zone, with their next fixture coming against Huddersfield Town.