Rafa: Ritchie still has time on his side
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez believes Matt Ritchie can afford to opt out of Scotland duty because “time is still on his side’’.
The Magpies winger asked Alex McLeish to leave him out when the Scots’ squad was named for the recent Nations League games against Albania and Israel.
Ritchie, who was 29 in September, is prioritising his Premier League career with the struggling Geordies and Benitez sympathises with his position.
He said: “I think, when players are involved in too much football and they come to a certain age, sometimes they need a rest. So if Ritchie decides he has to stop now, it’s fine and you have to respect that.
“Maybe in a few months he will have a chance and change his mind. Obviously he loves his country, but at the same time he wants to do well with us. I think time is still on his side.’’
Benitez, whose side visit Burnley tomorrow night on the back of two straight wins after failing to record a victory in their first 11 league and cup matches this season, has placed talks about his future on the back-burner.
But the Spaniard, out of contract next summer, admitted the January transfer window will have a crucial bearing on whether his hopes of remaining on Tyneside are realised.
Benitez, who wants funds from Toon owner Mike Ashley to strengthen his squad, said:
“My position is very clear. I want to see the club progressing.
“Then it will be easier, because I am happy here. It would be better to compete and be in the top 10 or top eight.’’
Meanwhile, Benitez will seek clarification from the FA after Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola escaped with a warning for comments about the referee ahead of this month’s derby with Manchester United.
Guardiola discussed Anthony Taylor’s appointment, but Benitez was fined £60,000 for remarks about Andre Marriner before Newcastle’s game at Crystal Palace in September.
Benitez said he had “confidence’’ in Marriner after Palace winger Wilfried Zaha claimed he was not being protected by referees.