Shelvey’s return is just Wat Benitez needs as Magpies face testing trip

SCHEMER BACK IN SQUAD - AND LINKED WITH MOVE TO FULHAM

JONJO Shelvey is back in contention for Newcastle United and flew south with Rafa Benitez’s squad for today’s clash with Watford.

Shelvey has been missing since December 1, when he hobbled off with a muscle injury against West Ham United.

The midfielder has also been linked with a move to Fulham but Benitez - who has the final say on all transfers at United - has insisted he is not interested in selling the former England international.

When asked about injuries, Benitez said: “Ciaran Clark and Karl Darlow are both still unavailable. “However, the rest of the team is available, including Jonjo. “We have bodies but when you lose a player like Ki and Jonjo was injured,you are already losing two players who both have the technical ability to manage the game so I think it is very important to have everybody fit.” Newcastle go into the game on the back of a 4-0 hiding at Liverpool but they now face the less daunting task of taking on the Hornets at Vicarage Road a venue they still managed to lose at last season.

However, Benitez warned: “They are playing well and can compete against anyone.

“They can keep the ball, defend and are well organised. “They have ability, strength and physicality so I think it is a good team which has a good manager who is doing a good job. “For us, we need to approach each game like a final. “We cannot see too much what is going around or what is happening in terms of the table.

“We just need to concentrate on the next game and getting the

We have bodies but when you lose a players like Ki and Jonjo, you’re losing players with technical ability