SHELVEY VERDICT VITAL TO MAGPIES

Benitez has never put much stock in a settled squad. Not even skipper Jamaal Lascelles has started every Newcastle game this season.

The Spaniard shuffles his pack more often than a Vegas croupier, yet there is one player even Benitez is loath to drop. Jonjo Shelvey is Newcastle’s lynchpin.

Matt Ritchie can be replaced by Christian Atsu. Dwight Gayle by Aleksandar Mitrovic. But, as former Magpies left-back Olivier Bernard said this week, Shelvey offers something his team-mates cannot.

“He’s probably the best player I’ve ever seen in the Championship,” said Ian Holloway, who took the teenage Shelvey on loan to Blackpool in 2011.

“He can get it off the centre-halves, dictate play and go beyond in the final third. He never looks to play the simple ball – he’s always looking to hurt you. He’s so aware of everything around him.”

Even Benitez, a manager who rarely praises individuals, admits that, when Shelvey plays well, his team plays better.

Which is why everyone of a black and white persuasion will fervently hope today’s clash with Leeds is not the midfielder’s last appearance of 2016.

Shelvey was due to miss the Elland Road showdown after being charged with racially abusing Wolves’ Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss in Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat at St James’ in September.

However, the 24-year-old midfielder denies the accusation and requested a personal FA hearing, which is likely to take place this week. In the meantime, Shelvey is free to play. If the charge is upheld, he will face a minimum five-game ban.

Having spoken last month of growing up and ditching his childish mindset under Benitez, a guilty verdict would reflect badly on a player whose temperament has long been questioned. Shelvey’s protected status at St James’ will be over.