The midfielder may be playing in the Championship, but Benitez has been tipping him to add to his handful of caps.
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey
Rafael Benitez has insisted to the Chronicle that Jonjo Shelvey can force his way into England boss Sam Allardyce’s plans even with Newcastle United still in the Championship.
The 24-year-old has six caps to his name so far, but is one of a number of players within the Magpies’ squad that would certainly not look out of place playing in the Premier League, and thus, knocking on the international door.
And Benitez has explained that based on his performances this season, he can see no reason why the former Liverpool man cannot earn a recall while he is plying his trade in the second tier.
He told the Chronicle: “If he can keep his consistency now, if he can keep working as hard as he was working and playing at the level he has been playing, then why not?”
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Regardless of whether Shelvey actually deserves to be in the squad or not, Benitez may feel that making such a statement could be key to bringing the best out of the midfielder.
The playmaker is arguably at his strongest when he is looking to utilise his wonderful range of passing and trying to test the goalkeeper from distance, as he proved against Queens Park Rangers in midweek when he scored a brilliant goal from outside the box.
And after hearing Benitez tipping him for international recognition, Shelvey will surely have the confidence to maintain that expressive style, which will surely boost the Magpies’ hopes of securing promotion, and subsequently thriving at the highest level.
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