Jonjo Shelvey’s future at Newcastle has been the subject of much speculation recently, but the player is preparing for another season on Tyneside.
Speaking to the Newcastle United official website, however, he said he hoped to put last season behind him and hopes to return to full fitness in a bid to make sure he is in the starting line-up in August.
He said: “Last season wasn’t the best for me. But the truth is, I got a very bad injury.
“I’m not looking for excuses, but that’s the reason I was out.
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“But as far as I’m aware, I’m a Newcastle player, and until I’m told otherwise, I’ll keep fighting for a spot in this team and to show everyone how good I am.”
It remains to be seen whether the desision on his future is taken out of his hands – particularly if Rafa Benitez stays.
A fully fit Shelvey, on top of his game, dictating play in the middle of the park, is certainly an asset to Newcastle.
Shelvey struggled to get back into the team after injury
It was largely down to the form of Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff that he could not find an immediate route back into the first team, when he recovered from his injury.
But following Longstaff’s season-ending injury, the former Liverpool player continued to be overlooked, which has seen fans question whether he is part of Rafa’s future plans.
Shelvey is continuing to work on his fitness throughout the off-season, and should he hit the ground running during pre-season, he may well force himself back into the side – particularly with Hayden still hoping to leave, and Mo Diame likely to be sold.
A Shelvey and Longstaff partnership in midfield could be an exciting prospect, but like everything else at the club, nothing is certain until the managerial situation is resolved.