Daily Mirror

Hay, Rafa that’s a good call

- KNUCKLE DOWN BY SIMON BIRD

ISAAC HAYDEN has been ordered to get on with playing for Newcastle – following his transfer turmoil in the summer.

The Newcastle midfielder wanted out in August after a “confused” pre-season.

Despite interest from Brighton, Newcastle refused to sanction a move and, to make matters worse, a reckless challenge saw the 23-year-old getting sent off at Cardiff.

But boss Rafa Benitez has recalled Hayden, who came on as a sub in the win over Bournemout­h and showed that he can make a big contributi­on.

Benitez said: “At the moment, he wants to be here, so we will see in the future. He is here and he has to keep going.

“At the start of the season, it was all a bit confused. But he is OK.

“He played against Cardiff and got sent off. After that, it was difficult for him to get in the team.

“In the match against Cardiff, he was not focused.

“He was sent off because, for me, he was very excited and wanted to impress.

“It was wrong, but, if he continues to train like he has the last couple of weeks, he will be fine.”

 ??  ?? Hayden has a job to do at Newcastle
Hayden has a job to do at Newcastle

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