Eddie Howe proven right on 'incredible' £12m man who fears time is running out on Newcastle career

"When you work with him you realise he’s an incredible technician and can play all sorts of passes, long and short. In terms of our philosophy, he’s someone who’ll be very important to us."

Eddie Howe raised more than a few eyebrows among Newcastle United supporters when he singled out Jonjo Shelvey for praise following his appointment in November. The 30-year-old playmaker was immediately identified as a key figure to the short-term rebuild, despite having previously endured a mixed stint at St James' Park.

Shelvey's talent in possession has rarely been called into question, but petulant red cards and concerns over his work rate had prevented the midfielder from ever fully winning over the fanbase. The former Liverpool and Swansea City star fell out of favour under Rafa Benitez, and seemed set to depart before the popular Toon boss walked away in the summer of 2019.

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Handed a fresh start by Steve Bruce, Shelvey enjoyed something of a renaissance and earned a new contract after finishing the 2019/20 season as Newcastle's top goalscorer in the Premier League. But for years, the Magpies' midfield had lacked the capacity to dictate proceedings and press opponents, and the ex-England international was often subject to criticism as a result.

The Howe era began with Shelvey selected in a two-man partnership with Joe Willock, and only a muscle injury for the home defeat to Manchester City in December has prevented the midfielder starting all 16 matches so far. Newcastle's performances steadily improved, and it took a Ciaran Clark red card and a Joelinton transformation no-one saw coming for the new head coach to find the