Newcastle 25-year-old claims his country are “crying out” for a player like him
By Matt Bullin
Newcastle ace Jonjo Shelvey has claimed England are “crying out” for a new central midfielder.
The 25-year-old playmaker is keen to further his international career, and he has protested his innocence over an incident with Wolves player Roman Saiss last season.
An FA panel found Shelvey guilty of racially abusing Saiss, and as a result he was fined £100,000 and banned for five games.
The Englishman believes the only way he can get back into the squad is by speaking to the press positively.
Shelvey spoke honestly in an interview with the Daily Mail.
“If you look at the competition, we’re crying out for a central midfielder for our country, in my opinion,” he said.
“But it’s just a matter of saying the right things in the press and things like that, that’s what it goes on these days. It’s so fickle.
“All I can do is just show in my performances that I warrant a place in the England team.”
The 25-year-old was one of the Toon’s top performers last term, scoring five goals in 47 league and cup games, as well as providing 12 assists.
He arrived at St James’ Park in January 2016 in a £13million switch from Swansea, and he has since made 62 appearances across all competitions, which have yielded five goals and 15 assists.
Magpies manager Rafa Benitez will hope Shelvey can again be a consistent performer for his side next term as they return to the Premier League.
He has been capped on six occasions by England, but he has not featured since the 2-0 friendly win over France in November 2015.
In other Newcastle news, the Magpies are interest in this 18-year-old striker, who has had a £1million bid rejected for.
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