SPECIAL BRUCE

Jonjo: He’s best man-manager

JONJO SHELVEY insists Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is among the best man-managers he has ever worked with.

The Toon head coach had a tough start to life on Tyneside, succeeding Rafa Benitez (right, top) in July with the club tipped for relegation.

But, with Shelvey given a starring role this season,

Bruce has galvanised his squad and they have recov- ered to climb into mid-table.

They entertain Crystal

Palace on Saturday knowing a win would take them above

Roy Hodgson’s side into a comfortable position with the chance for a crack at an FA

Cup run in January.

As well as Benitez, Shelvey has been managed by (right, descending from Rafa) Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers and Steve Mcclaren in a club career that has taken him from Charlton to Liverpool and Swansea before moving to St James’ Park in 2016.

But he said: “Steve Bruce is one of the best man-managers I have ever worked with. You know what he wants of you – and I have bought into that and have reaped the rewards. I will keep listening to him day in, day out and keep working hard.

“If I do that, it will be fine and I will continue to play. He says that if I work hard, my footballing ability will take me through the game and that seems to be happening. “As long as I put the work rate in and work my socks off for the team, then the goals side of the game will come.” Shelvey is Newcastle’s leading scorer this season with five from midfield, but the Magpies need more goals. They are averaging just one a game, with only Watford and Palace having scored fewer. Shelvey said: “A lot of people tipped us to get relegated, so it is good to prove the critics wrong.” Shelvey missed Saturday’s miserable 1-0 defeat to Burnley with a minor calf strain. The club’s medical team decided to protect him and Shelvey said: “It was key to miss one game instead of risking missing six or seven.

“It was horrible not being able to help the team. Everything had been going well and I wanted to keep it going. We need to get back to winning ways and another goal.

“We have lost – ending a very good run – but we have to bounce back against Palace.”