TOON ARMY ‘CAN SHELVE THE NERVES’

JONJO SHELVEY had this message for nervous Newcastle fans: “Don’t panic!”

The Geordies capitulated to the Owls, who completed the double over them. But Shelvey (above), who scored a late consolation and earlier hit the bar with a lofted punt, said defiantly: “This is no time for panicking.

“We are 10 points ahead of third-placed Huddersfield and we have a few days to get our ideas together. Next Friday is a big game against Leeds and we’re looking forward to it.

“The atmosphere was booming at Elland Road and it will be at our place in the return.”

Fellow midfielder Mo Diame was equally defiant, adding: “We’re going to give everything to win this league and go up. Everyone at the club must keep calm.

“This is like the last race and we have to give everything in every match that is left.

“We have nearly a week for recovery for a massive game at home. But we mustn’t forget that we are in a very good position still.”

Wednesday could have been three up in the first 20 minutes. Before a single effective Newcastle attack, Gary Hooper had hit the bar and Steven Fletcher had fluffed two gift opportunities in front of goal.

A Tom Lees headed goal – his first of the season – put Newcastle on the back foot, before Fletcher made amends for his earlier misses with a well-headed addition – his third in two games.

The roar at Hillsborough was just like old times and Fletcher said: “That sets us up nicely for a real play-off push. It came good for me in the end. I missed a couple of chances early on, but that’s football.

“Overall, we played brilliantly, and hopefully we can do a job and get that play-off spot.

“I was pleased to see Tom Lees score his first goal of the season. He’s been out injured and it was good to see him back in action. He’s such a good professional.”