Jonjo Shelvey has denied pushing for a move away from Newcastle United this summer due to a rumoured rift with manager Rafa Benitez.
The midfielder has been limited to just nine starts in the Premier League this season due to injury and match sharpness which has left him down the pecking order.
Recently speaking to the Chronicle Live, as cited by Tribal Football, he confirmed his focus is still firmly on the Magpies despite admitting a lack of game time has left him frustrated.
My head has not been turned. I have always remained focused. Don’t get me wrong I have been very, very down because you want to play football. You can take all the money away because at the end of the day all you want to do is play football. You see the lads smiling and running around and you don’t feel part of it. You have to stick by it and stick with the team and eventually, your time will come.
Shelvey started his first league game since the start of November, and captained Newcastle, in the 1-1 draw at Brighton yesterday evening and performed very well.
Whilst he’s been sidelined, Isaac Hayden and Sung-Yueng Ki have seemingly surpassed Shelvey in Benitez’s pecking order, but the 27-year-old’s showing at the AMEX could see him start again against former club Liverpool next weekend.
