Jonjo Shelvey has to start taking the game 'by the scruff of the neck' and have a more of an influence on Newcastle United's matches.
That's according to former Magpies defender Steve Howey, who feels the ex-Liverpool man has to make more of a mark in games.
Howey, who was a key part of Kevin Keegan's Entertainters side of the early 1990s, winning England caps before a move to Manchester City, is a big admirer of Shelvey's abilities.
But he wants to see more from the Newcastle No 8.
“I think he’s a very talented player. I think he just needs to grab the game by the scruff of the neck a bit more given his ability," he told Football Fancast.
"He’s an experienced pro now, he’s been about a bit and been with some top teams. He’s got the ability to spray passes left, right and centre and he’s very, very good at it.
“But obviously, it’s what does off the ball. That’s why you’ve got maybe Isaac Hayden in there, who breaks play up and gives it to Shelvey to pass it.
"Even though he has a very good range of passing, he just has to make sure he finds his men. If you lose the ball, you’ve got to quickly go back on the defensive.
“I’ve got no doubt in my mind that he’s a very good player, but when you’ve got that ability, you’ve got to do the rubbish stuff that players don’t like to do.
"The hunting, the tackling and getting in there and trying to win the ball back. I’m not saying he doesn’t do it, but everybody’s got to be in the same pot together.”
Shelvey has started every Premier League for Newcastle so far this season, and is set to feature again tomorrow as the Magpies look to bounce back from the 4-1 home defeat to Manchester United when they take on Wolves at Molineux.
He has come in for some criticism for his performances this season, but did score the spectacular equaliser in United's Carabao Cup tie at Newport in September.
