- Newcastle drew 1-1 at home with Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday
- Joselu equalised for the home side after Philippe Coutinho’s opener
- Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for a stamp on Dele Alli back in August
Jonjo Shelvey believes he repaid his Newcastle team-mates with his point-saving assist against Liverpool after starting for the first time since his opening-day red card for a stamp on Dele Alli.
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez had chosen to leave Shelvey on the bench since returning from his three-match ban last month but the midfielder was restored for the visit of his former club.
And Shelvey – whose exquisite pass laid on Joselu’s first-half equaliser – said: ‘It was just a moment of madness, the error (the stamp), and I owed my team and hopefully I repaid them. I know I can do things like that (the assist).
Jonjo Shelvey returned to the Newcastle starting lineup in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool
Shelvey clasps hands with Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez after the final whistle on Sunday
‘It’s horrible being out the side but when the team is winning you know it’ll be harder to get back in. Credit to the lads but the gaffer showed a lot of faith in me and I want to repay his trust.
‘Rafa’s CV speaks for itself, he has a whole bunch of knowledge, he is a detailed coach and it is great to learn from someone like that.’
Benitez said: ‘Jonjo has the quality on the ball. I told him before the game, you know how to play football, you just have to work hard and keep your head focused on the game and you will play well.
‘If he works as hard as he did today, he will get more chances to play.’
Shelvey made the pass for Spanish striker Joselu to equalise after Philippe Coutinho’s opener
Meanwhile, financial entrepreneur Amanda Staveley was at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley wants to sell the club and her presence has triggered speculation over an approach from the Middle East, although club sources have played down the link.
The 44-year-old helped Thaksin Shinawatra sell Manchester City to Sheik Mansour in 2008 and has said she is interested in buying a Premier League club.