Shelvey admits he has ‘grown up’ a lot at Newcastle

Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has admitted that he has grown up considerably at the club, with the help of a psychologist.

The England international has earned himself a reputation over the course of his career as someone who can’t be relied on for showing discipline.

The 26-year old has been sent off four times in his career, and has received 28 yellow cards.

However in the last 19 games he has played in, Shelvey has only been booked once, showing an improvement in his discipline. Now Shelvey, speaking to BBC Sport, has opened up about how he has learned to calm his temper. He said:

I’m 26 years of age and it was time to mature and grow up. I feel that I have now.

Going back two or three years ago, when you get called a bald whatever and get booed every time you touch the ball, you end up smashing someone. Now I see it as a compliment when fans boo me because they know I can hurt them on the football pitch, and I try to do it in that way.

I’m the same way my dad was on a football pitch. It stems down to wanting to win so much. As soon as I step over that white line it’s that desire to be a winner. It took me a long time to learn there are ways to win a football match.

I spent a bit of time with a psychologist – I still do. I feel that that has helped. He gives you little pointers that if you do feel you’re losing your head.

Shelvey also acknowledge that his attitude in the past has prevented him from achieving as much as he should have. He continued:

I feel I could have achieved a hell of a lot more than I have.

I have got six England caps and feel I should have double or maybe even treble that.

I have made bad decisions in the past. But that’s part of growing up and learning.