‘Ritchie has quality – but can be better’

involved.

“You have to remember that the senior players need match time but also need to manage with Peter and Ben where they can’t control their games or their players.

“DeAndre Yedlinwas coming back from injury so we had to be careful.

“But some of them, when and where we can we will give them time.

“It depends on what type of injury they’ve had.”

And while some players have knocked on Benitez’s door to ask when they will get a chance again, his message is clear and simple.

He concluded: “It’s good they come to knock on my door.

“But the best way to get back in the team is not knocking on my door.

“I want to see them working hard in training and scoring goals in training.

“If they are doing well they have a chance.

“You have to decide on 11 players, seven on the bench and who will sit in the stands.

“Sometimes you can’t reward them because the ones who are already in the team are doing well.” RAFA Benitez has revealed his delight at Matt Ritchie’s progress so far at Newcastle United.

But the Toon boss is confident that Ritchie, who has provided three assists in the last two matches, can get even better for the Magpies.

The Scotland international goes into the clash at Brighton today in superb form and has proved to be an overwhelming success for Newcastle since arriving from AFC Bournemouth for what is looking like a bargain £12million fee.

Benitez said: “Matt’s a player who has confidence in himself. When he plays, he plays to his strengths.

“He is one that is doing well but still, believe me he can do better.”

Benitez also feels Ritchie’s attitude is a shining example to others.

The former Real Madrid boss said: “Matt Ritchie hasn’t surprised me too much. When we signed him he was one of our first signings, him and Dwight, and I was asking people with experience in the Championship.

“When I was talking with him, he was very, very keen to come. We did it and with him, every day I see passion, intensity and how competitive he is. “It’s not a surprise to me he’s doing. “He trains with the same passion and commitment that you see in the games every time. I knew of his quality.”