Sels: Why I had to leave St James’ Park...

KEEPER MOVED BACK TO HOMELAND TO SAVE HIS INTERNATIONAL CAREER

GOALKEEPER Matz Sels insists he had to leave Newcastle on loan this summer to give himself the best possible chance of making Belgium’s World Cup squad.

The 25-year-old joined Belgian champions Anderlecht on a season-long loan deal in the summer after an underwhelming first season at Newcastle.

Having joined the Magpies from Gent in the summer of 2016, big things were expected of the former Belgium under-21 keeper.

He began the season as No 1 but after a series of shaky displays he lost his place to Karl Darlow.

After Rob Elliot recovered from a knee injury, Sels found himself as third choice and, with fierce competition in the Belgium squad, boss Roberto Martinez told him he had to be playing regularly to be considered.

As Sels explained, he felt he had more opportunity to play regular football at Anderlecht.

The shotstopper said: “I played fifteen matches at Newcastle. That is not much.

“I could have stayed and competed but I estimated my playing opportunities at Anderlecht were higher.

“For the time being I am not worried, there will be enough matches.

“It is true I wanted to keep my World Cup opportunities cool by coming here.

“That was what Roberto Martínez had told me - that I definitely had to play and he did not see that happening at Newcastle.

“Now, even if I play at Anderlecht, it does not give me the certainty I will be there.

“By staying with Newcastle and sitting on the bench again, I certainly did not stand a chance.”

For the most part, Sels has been Anderlecht’s number one goalkeeper this season, although he has had to deal with rotation.

New manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck has been switching between Sels and the experienced Frank Boecx in goal this season.

Yet with Anderlecht exiting the Belgian Cup last week and looking likely to be eliminated from European football altogeter for this season, Sels hopes the rotation will decrease - allowing him to establish himself as the club’s number one.

He added: “I played a good match against Gent and a week later I was on the bench.

“Why? You have to ask him that, he did not give me an explanation.

“I kept the team right - it remained 0-0.

“If you make a mistake that choice can still be understood, but now?

Sels continued: “He rotates, not only with his field players but also with his goalkeepers.

“I think he does that because of the rapid succession of matches.”