Jacob just needs some more time

RAFA Benitez has explained why Jacob Murphy has been left out of his last two squads – and has assured the Newcastle United winger he will get his big chance to shine this season.

The Magpies boss has used the £10m signing sparingly this season but the speedy wide man will be back in the squad for today’s home clash with AFC Bournemouth.

With a spate of injuries in the build-up to the clash with the Cherries, his chance could even come sooner rather than later.

Benitez was asked why the winger hasn’t had a chance this term, and told the Chronicle: “He is a young player who is training very well.

“He is working very hard and Jacob

Murphy he is keen to learn and he will need some time. Why? Because when you are not doing well as a team on the pitch the young players can’t give you the experience.

“Then you are expecting the pace or quality but you are still losing.

“So you have to keep going back to the experience.”

Signed from Norwich City last summer, Murphy made 25 league appearances in his first season with the Magpies, scoring once.

But so far this season, the 23-year-old has started just two games and was not even included in the matchday squad for last week’s win over Watford.

But Benitez said the winger is still in his plans and has not been picked because the former Real Madrid boss did not want to dent his confidence by using him in a struggling side.

He said: “It is a vicious circle. “If they don’t play they won’t get the experience, if you play them and the team is not doing well it, it can be more negative than positive.

“We need to find the balance in the squad. Hopefully he can play a lot of games and we can do well.”