BRUCE’S UP FOR WAR GAMES
PREM LEAGUE
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JONJO SHELVEY reckons he’s rediscovered the form which earned him an England call-up.
The Newcastle midfielder scored his first Premier League goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Leicester which virtually guarantees survival.
Shelvey has been instrumental in Newcastle’s climb away from the drop zone.
But despite calls for an international recall, his displays have yet to catch the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate.
The 26-year-old won the last of his six caps as a Swansea player in 2015 and hasn’t had a look-in since his switch to St James’ Park.
But while time is running out to force his way into Southgate’s World Cup squad, Shelvey believes he’s playing some of the best football of his career.
Feared
“When I first signed, I had a few good games and a few bad ones and, to be honest, I wasn’t fit enough,” he said.
“But now I have that sharpness back to my game and am doing it in the Premier League, which is the highest level you can do it, so that’s what I’m pleased about.”
Shelvey feared for his future when Rafa Benitez first took charge in March 2016, despite the Spaniard having previously signed him for Liverpool from Charlton as a youngster.
Even during the first half of this season, Shelvey was in and out of the Newcastle side but is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
“When Rafa came to the club, he chopped and changed and I found myself out of the team,” he said.
“But I went away that summer and got myself properly fit and came back with a totally different attitude in terms of trying to learn from him.
“He signed me for Liverpool but I never actually got to work with him.
“It was more a case of wanting to stay here and get this club back to the Premier League because they paid a lot of money (£12m) for me.
“So it was about returning the favour and hopefully I can stay here for many years now.”
Newcastle have won their last three games to climb into the top 10 and Shelvey added: “We are still not done. We’ve got to keep going and with Rafa in charge, he will keep us on it every day.” ®