MATT-CH OF THE DAY Creator-in-chief Ritchie’s still got room to grow

Feb 2017: Brighton 1 Newcastle 2 Aug 2017: Newcastle 2 Brighton 0 Jan 2013: Brighton 2 Newcastle 0 Jan 2012: Brighton 1 Newcastle 0 Mar 1992: Newcastle 1 Brighton 0

Brighton – 8 wins Newcastle – 9 wins Draws – 3

NEWCASTLE’S assist maestro Matt Ritchie has been told by boss Rafa Benitez: “You can do better.’’

Winger Ritchie has put four goals on a plate for his side this season and created each of their last three.

But Benitez (below) wants more from the Scotland star, who joined the Magpies from Bournemouth for £12million in the summer of 2016.

The Spaniard lured Ritchie, 28, to St James’

Park despite relegation and the Toon boss said: “When I spoke to Matt, he was very keen to come here.

“We did the deal and we saw him every day, the passion, the intensity and how competitive he is.

“We saw all that in his first season at the club.

“So it’s no surprise now because we’ve seen him every day, playing and training with the same passion, the same commitment and he has quality.

“He’s a player who has confidence in himself.

“He knows his strengths and he plays on his strengths, so I think he’s someone who is doing well – but still, believe me, he can do better.’’

Newcastle come up against former boss Chris Hughton (right) today when they visit Brighton.

The Magpies edged out the Seagulls in the race for the Championship title last season as Benitez repeated Hughton’s feat on Tyneside of seven years earlier.

Hughton was harshly sacked by Newcastle in early December the following season.

Some close to the club claimed he was too nice to be a manager but Benitez said: “I don’t think it’s a question of being nice, it’s about being professional and knowing your job.

“It depends on how you use your knowledge – and I think he’s fine. “I’ve talked with the staff here and they all say, ‘Nice lad’. They all spoke well of him.’’

Another man no longer at the club is Tim Krul – who ended an 11-year association with the Toon this week when he joined Brighton on what is understood to be a free. The Dutch goalkeeper is available for this afternoon’s game and will be looking to make a point to the manager who let him leave.

And Benitez said: “I knew him well but when I came here he was injured so the club gave him an extension to go on loan and he played for AZ Alkmaar for five months.

“We were monitoring him and we decided we were looking at different options.

“It was a professional decision and I told him – and that’s it. We have to move forward.’’ Meanwhile, Benitez hinted that Spain Under-21s midfielder Mikel Merino – on a season’s loan from Borussia Dortmund – is on course to win a permanent move next summer.

He said: “He’s doing well and the contract situation will be sorted out easily, so what he has to do is carry on playing well and not to play with over-confidence.

“If he continues doing well, he will have the chance to stay.’’

Brighton v Newcastle, Today, 4pm, Sky Sports Main Event