Jonjo Shelvey has revealed that he ‘pleaded’ with Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez to play with the Under-23s follwing his red card for a stamp on Tottenham’s Dele Alli.
Shelvey got his marching orders in the game on the opening weekend of the Premier League, and hasn’t started for the Newcastle senior team since.
Instead he’s been limited to two cameo appearances in the last two matches, for a total of 43 minutes of game time.
In his absence, new signing Mikel Merino has impressed the manager and fans alike.
Shelvey played for the Newcastle Under-23 side in the 2-2 draw against Norwich in September, and he revealed that he begged Benitez to let him play to get minutes on the pitch.
Talking in the Chronicle about the Alli incident, Shelvey said, “It was just a moment of madness – an error. I apologise for it.
“I know the people I let down and myself, but more importantly I let my team-mates down.
“I dropped down and asked the gaffer if I could play in the Under-23s.
“He didn’t really want me to but I sort of pleaded with him to let me play to get minutes.
“I am thankful for that because that has helped me when I’ve come on in the last two games.”
OPINION
Shelvey has made his apologies – finally – and hopefully that will draw a line under what’s been a pretty awful start to the season for Newcastle’s star from the Championship title win. Shelvey is undoubtedly talented, and he’s got enough to perform in the Premier League, but he really has to cut this side out of his game. Newcastle need everyone on side this season if they’re going to secure a mid-table place and avoid a relegation dogfight, and Shelvey will have a big part to play. Asking to play with the Under-23s shows a desire to get back to full fitness that the fans will love. He’s been punished enough and now it’s time for Benitez to give him a start in the Premier League – possibly against Liverpool on Sunday.