Jonjo Shelvey can trigger one-year contract extension this weekend against Southampton

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Jonjo Shelvey is back playing for Newcastle United, and will be desperate to make up for lost time after a frustrating start to the season.

The midfielder looked in excellent form during pre-season, and appeared physically set for the demands of playing in the middle for an Eddie Howe team.

But then disaster struck in a friendly against Benfica. Shelvey was forced off with an injury, then underwent hamstring surgery.

It initially threatened to keep him out of action until after the World Cup, but the England international has managed to recover ahead of schedule.

While he won’t be going to Qatar with the Three Lions, he is back in the mix to play for Newcastle. He’s made two late substitute appearances so far this season, and will be absolutely desperate to feature on Sunday.

And there is added incentive for him to play against Southampton.

Contract extension activated if Shelvey plays one more game

When the summer arrived, Shelvey entered the final year of his Newcastle contract. However, it then emerged that his current deal included an option to extend it for another year.

All he had to do was play three more games – easy, right?

Injury has delayed Shelvey extending his stay at St James’ Park until 2024, but now he has the chance to secure his future.

An appearance at St Mary’s will see his contract extension triggered. Whether he starts or comes off the bench for 10 seconds, all he needs to do is get on the pitch.

The 30-year-old will be desperate to do just that, as he has spoken about his desire to stay at Newcastle. He’s been a Magpie since 2016, and is very much part of the furniture now.

But he still has a role to play, and is someone who Howe really likes. When he was first appointed Newcastle manager, Shelvey was one of the first players to be complimented by Howe.

The midfielder has played consistently under Howe when fit, and now needs to force his way back into the starting XI. That is going to be difficult given how well Newcastle are playing.

Shelvey needs more minutes to stake his claim, but his main priority will be simply playing one more game to secure his contract extension.