Rafa Benitez is ready to hand Jonjo Shelvey another chance to impress in Saturday night's big clash against Liverpool.
The Toon boss recalled Shelvey to his starting line-up against Brighton and handed him the captain's armband in the 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium.
Shelvey would love to show what he can do against his old club in front of a sell out crowd, and Benitez said: "He was a little bit tired at the end, you could see we needed fresh legs in the middle. But he did well.
"During the first half he was doing really well because he can pass it really well because we were passing it all the time."
After the game Shelvey gave the Chronicle an extensive interview and responded to rumours he'd fell out with Benitez.
He said: "People say I have had rows with Rafa and things like that.
"It couldn't be further from the truth.
"People can talk all they want.
"I am not one to listen to what people say."
Liverpool must face Barcelona in the Champions League at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night before the encounter at St James' Park but the Reds know that only a win will do as they battle for the title with Manchester City.
