Boss reveals why Ritchie missed out

RAFA Benitez has explained why he left Matt Ritchie out of the Newcastle United side which beat Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

The winger, who has also been subbed on numerous occasions this season, was dropped from the team ahead of the crunch clash in West Yorkshire at the weekend.

However, Benitez still used Ritchie in a cameo role for the last nine minutes to ensure he was part of the important away win.

In recent games Benitez has also reintroduced Isaac Hayden, with the ex-Arsenal player set to be used more frequently over the festive period as South Korea international Ki heads to the Asian Cup tournament in the UAE.

When asked about Ritchie’s omission from the starting XI, Benitez said: “When you want to achieve something with this group of players, everybody has to feel they are part of the group and they are there.

“Any player has to have the chance to show how they train, play and work during the week.

“You have to manage the squad and be right with your decisions.

“The 11 starters and the subs are there but you will have injuries and suspensions so everybody will be important during the season.”

Benitez’s side is now unbeaten in three away games and has also picked up more points away from home than at St James’ Park.

Asked how important the weekend win was, the former Liverpool boss replied: “It is an important win but hopefully the most important one will be the one which keeps us up.

“We have beaten a team close to us. We felt the pressure before and now they may feel it too.”